Tuesday, 17 March 2026
Description
Attend and earn 0.5 CPD hour
Learning Objectives:
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Understand the key express and implied terms of employment agreements and their practical significance in the school employment context
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Identify the legal consequences of breaching employment agreements and apply practical strategies to avoid common contractual pitfalls
Chair
David Graham, Principal, Goodwood School
Understanding Employment Agreements
- Knowing and understanding critical terms of the employment agreement
- Importance of implied terms
- Legal implications of breaching employment agreements
- Avoiding common pitfalls
Presented by Allanah Leerdam, Barrister, Roddie Sim - Barrister
Presenters
David Graham, Principal, Goodwood School
David Graham is an experienced school leader having led primary schools across the Waikato for over 25 years. He is currently the principal of Goodwood School (a primary school of 400 students). In 2026, Goodwood School won the New Zealand Education Excellence Award for School Leadership (Large Primary School). David is a mentor in the National Aspiring Principals’ Programme and has an interest in supporting school leaders to manage multiple and often competing legislative demands.
Allanah Leerdam, Barrister, Roddie Sim - Barrister
Allanah is an employed barrister working with Roddie Sim, currently specialising in criminal and family law. Allanah has extensive experience working in employment law, having previously worked in the litigation team at Morgan Coakle where she practised primarily in employment, family law and civil litigation. Before joining Morgan Coakle, Allanah gained valuable experience at the boutique employment, immigration and health and safety law firm Jennifer Mills & Associates. She has also worked as a Prosecutor with the New Zealand Police. Allanah has provided employment advice and assistance to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, as well as large corporates across a variety of industries, providing expert guidance on a broad range of employment law matters. Allanah is particularly passionate about advocacy and dispute resolution, and is dedicated to offering practical, cost-effective advice and solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and situation of each client. Allanah also regularly provides commentary and updates on employment matters and continues to do so, in addition to family and criminal law.
