Workplace investigations are playing an increasingly significant role in New Zealand employment law. Tailored for in-house counsel, this session provides practical guidance on when an investigation is appropriate, the legal duties owed to participants, and how to manage investigations effectively to minimise cost and legal risk. Gain essential insights to navigate this evolving area with confidence and compliance.
Tuesday, 9 September 2025
1.00pm to 2.00pm Workplace Investigations in Employment Law for In-House Counsel
Workplace investigations have become a more regular part of the New Zealand legal landscape in recent years. This session will provide an overview of this developing area, including an examination of:
- When is an investigation appropriate (and prudent)?
- Duties and obligations employers have to investigation participants
- How to effectively manage workplace investigations for both cost and liability
Presented by Andrew Scott-Howman, Barrister and Workplace Investigator, Port Nicholson Chambers
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the latest developments in investigations in employment law
- Gain knowledge of how to effectively manage workplace investigations
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD Hour
Chair:
Dr Maria Pozza, Director and Principal, Gravity Lawyers
Presenters
Dr Maria Pozza, Director and Principal Lawyer, Gravity LawyersDr Pozza is the Director and Principal lawyer of Gravity Lawyers. Her expertise includes: Commercial international space law, international military space law, domestic legislative frameworks over military and commercial uses in space as well as international law space law dealing with armed conflict and aggressive uses. She provides expertise in legal and technical frameworks concerning cybersecurity and IT, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and technology laws. She has been the course coordinator for the University of Victoria’s Cyber Security and International Relations, as well as a lecturer for the International Relations course. As a prolific publisher, Dr Pozza has edited and published a book on Risk Management in Outer Space Activities – An Australian and New Zealand Perspective, as part of her Book Series titled Space Law and Policy. She has been involved in the development of numerous space law publications that range from academic articles, professional publications, guidance materials, and books. Dr Pozza has supervised at master’s level and is currently supervising at the PhD level with the University of Otago. Her expertise on international and national space law, is often called upon by a wide range of domestic and international clients and institutions.
Andrew Scott-Howman, Barrister and Workplace Investigator, Port Nicholson Chambers
Andrew Scott-Howman is a Wellington based barrister specialising in workplace investigations. He is a graduate of the Association of Workplace Investigator's Training Institute and a member of that specialist interest organisation. He is also a co-author of the Thomson Reuters text "Workplace Bullying in New Zealand". He acts as investigator in both the public and private sectors, and has wide experience in investigating bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct claims.
This seminar is part of a series
In-House Counsel Lunchtime Learning
In-House Counsel are under more pressure than ever with expanding workloads, shrinking budgets and increasing regulatory complexity. Sign up for this lunchtime series of webinars to ensure that you are across the latest developments and gain essential strategies, practical tips plus vital legislative and case law updates - all aimed to assist you to reduce risk and meet regulatory requirements. Make it easy & save by registering for the full series or just the sessions that interest you. Watch each session live online or as an on-demand recording to watch at a time convenient to you.
Description
Attend all 5 sessions and earn 5 CPD Hours
If you register for the full series as a live online product after the date of an individual session, you will be sent the recording for the sessions that have passed. Alternatively, you can register for individual sessions by following the links below.
View series listing
