Visit us
B:HIVE, Smales Farm, 72 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Email us
info@teesdaleassociates.com
Call us
021 920 323
What We Do
For almost 40 years, we’ve empowered businesses in all sectors with tailored employment relations solutions to enhance workplace collaboration, reduce legal risks and improve overall business performance. From leadership development to collective bargaining and culture change to business transformation, we deliver superior outcomes for clients that others can’t even imagine.
Why Employment Relations Matter
Understanding and managing workplace dynamics, including employment relations and HR practices, are vital for reducing risks, promoting growth and improving overall business performance.
Lift Team Engagement
Strong employment relations foster a positive work environment, improve overall business performance and increase staff satisfaction and engagement.
Reduce Legal Risk
Effective management of employment relations helps prevent disputes, minimising the risk of costly legal issues and workplace disruptions.
Enhance Collaboration
Healthy employment relations encourage collaboration and trust between employees and management, driving organisational success and long-term growth.
Our Approach to Employment Relations
At Teesdale Associates, we bring fresh thinking and dynamic solutions to employment relations, empowering businesses to thrive, innovate, and achieve lasting success.
What Our Clients Say
Discover the experience of working with Teesdale Associates.
Geoff Hunt
Chair and Independent Director
“Teesdale Associates has supported me in various sectors by developing user friendly employment agreements, training managers in the fundamentals of employment law and how to handle typical employment issues, then advising and supporting managers when required and knowing when to escalate issues to me. With this clear manager accountability, training and support, we reduced the risk of disputes and improved overall business performance. Tony is also the person who in union bargaining or a dispute will get you the best result. He is very good at framing the issues and clearly articulating them. He is right man for a tough situation.”
Gray Paterson
Board Chair and CEO
“Tony is my “go to guy” for tricky executive issues or complex employment matters. He is highly professional, urgent and makes outcomes happen. Our first involvement was in the 1990’s when Tony was at the forefront of huge changes that followed the ECA, but I’ve worked with Tony in many different sectors since then. Last year as the chair of the NZ Security Association, we engaged Tony to represent the industry in the Fair Pay Agreements process, which he did very effectively. He is the consummate professional.”
Danielle Winstone
Owner, OCULA
“Teesdale Associates has been an absolute joy to work with. Michelle has facilitated smooth restructures and performance management processes for our business, making these transitions less stressful than they may otherwise be. I highly recommend Teesdale Associates as they are very pragmatic, responsive, and accessible to ring up when we are in need. They understand the difficulties of managing a business.”
Garry Fissenden
Business Consultant and former CEO Skills Consulting Group
“I really like dealing with Tony. He delivers. He is the most pragmatic HR advisor I know who just gets stuff done, so we keep coming back. He is the best man to have in your corner in a tight spot. He is also a really good thinker on the HR stuff and his strategic thinking is always of value. Tony has the best war stories, which shows that he knows how to do this stuff.”
John Chetwynd
CEO, Telnet Services
“We have worked with Teesdale Associates for around 25 years and always had good outcomes. The team has become an extension of our team. Tony has a sense of when he needs to get tough and take a line. You couldn’t have a better person on your side. On the other hand, he can be balanced when it makes sense. A remarkably safe pair of hands. I don’t know anyone else with his skills.”
Belinda Leslie
General Manager People & Communications, Kotahi Logistics
“Teesdale Associates is a long-term partner, supporting our business to achieve the right outcomes for our people. They work closely with our CEO and People Team, offering pragmatic recommendations, getting things done quickly, while understanding and respecting the necessary processes. They are trusted advisors, who we now see as an extension of our People team. I highly recommend the team at Teesdale Associates.”
Sean Williams
Director Employment Relations, AUT
“In my world of employment relations there are not many truly qualified or experienced practitioners. Teesdale Associates are experts in the field and well respected within this industry. Their knowledge of complicated employment matters coupled with the practical advice they provide to us, is impeccable. They are passionate about the work they do and genuinely enjoy the partnerships they have with their clients. They have a proven track record of achieving outstanding solutions.”
Evelyn Davis
Widely experienced GM HR
“I have worked with Teesdale Associates on many large projects since the mid-1990’s. Tony and his team have always delivered, giving outstanding service along the way. Tony has that rare ability to very diplomatically handle any situation that arises, including telling you to re-think something. He has a deep understanding of both business and what is important to stakeholders. He will take the time to understand your situation and find solutions for you.“
Anonymous
HR Director with Major Corporate
“We have worked with Justine on a number of employment investigations. She has no problem with making a decision on bullying complaints which is what you want and the quality of her investigation reports is very high. Justine’s communication style is great. She ‘says it how it is’ and is easy to work with because of that. She has the courage to not shy away from making a finding, whereas others may be reticent to commit themselves.”
Sue Norrie
HR, Regulatory and Compliance Advisor
“We have been working with Teesdale Associates for a few years now, and their expertise in HR and employment law has been invaluable to our organisation. The team has assisted us with all aspects of HR, from navigating disciplinary processes, implementing restructures, through to designing comprehensive employment agreements. One of the standout aspects is their personalised approach. They are always available to answer our questions, often going above and beyond to ensure we have the support we need. We like the fact their advice is always very commercial and decisive.“
Our Latest Articles
Read up on the latest employment relations news in New Zealand.
NZ Post Courier Drivers declared Contractors
Yet another case has perpetuated the confusion as to the employment status of workers who have entered into independent contractor agreements. Following the landmark Uber case in 2025 where the Supreme Court decided certain Uber…
EMPLOYMENT LEAVE ACT – CHALLENGING TIMES AHEAD
The Act has been passed with Royal Assent given on 6 August 2026. There are several changes, notably in respect of new provisions for notional rosters (where actual hours of work are changeable and it…
NEW EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS – STATE OF VICTORIA
If your business operates in Victoria, you need to be aware of the following: Restrictions on NDAs concerning workplace sexual harassment As of 1 July 2026, there are only very limited circumstances in which an…
