" At Edwards Sluiters - Employment Lawyers we are dedicated to clients, we translate the law into clear advice, and we are driven to offer pragmatic solutions and results. "
Kate Fitz-John
LLB, BSocSc
Senior Associate
Kate has been with Edwards Sluiters – Employment Lawyers since 2018 and is based in the Hamilton office, assisting clients throughout New Zealand and abroad. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Waikato.
She began her career in general practice, gaining experience in commercial and property matters, and civil, criminal, and employment litigation before specialising solely in employment law in 2018.
Kate advises both employers and employees on the full spectrum of employment and human resource issues, contentious and non-contentious.
Kate works closely with clients to understand their circumstances and develop clear, tailored strategies that fits their specific needs. She is known for simplifying complex legal issues into straightforward, actionable advice. Kate is practical and solutions-focused, but draws confidently on her litigation background when escalation is required. She regularly represents clients in mediation, the Employment Relations Authority, and the Employment Court.
Her work includes drafting and advising on employment agreements, workplace policies, records of settlement, employee share schemes, and pleadings. She also assists both employers and employees with restructures, personal grievances, disciplinary and performance processes, workplace investigations, exit negotiations, and restraint of trade issues. Kate also provides advice on technical areas of employment law, including wage issues.
Clients value Kate’s approachable, responsive style and her ability to provide advice that is legally robust, practical, and easy to understand. She is committed to building strong, long‑term relationships and guiding clients through both straightforward and complex workplace issues.
Kate is passionate about employment law, specifically finding the right balance for employers so that they are compliant, whilst upholding their commercial interests. She is a strong advocate for her clients.
The following cases were particular career highlights for Kate:
NZERA Auckland 406, where Kate was successful in the Authority for interim reinstatement on an urgent basis.
NZEmpC 161, defending the plaintiff’s application to stay the Authority’s determination with favourable conditions for the defendant, Mr. Johnstone.
NZERA 564, applying for an interim non-publication order prohibiting the publication of the applicant’s name and area of practice.
Kate provides practical in-depth advice and works hard to understand her clients to get the best results.
