Zachary Pentecost
LLB BCom (Econ)
Senior Associate
Zachary joined Edwards Sluiters in 2024, following key leadership roles in employment teams at several mid-sized Christchurch law firms.
He graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2017 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and has specialised in employment and health and safety law since beginning practice.
Based in our Christchurch office, Zachary is part of Edwards Sluiters’ nationwide team, providing a full range of employment law services to both employers and employees. He advises on all aspects of employment matters, both contentious and non-contentious, and is known for delivering practical, solutions-focused advice that saves clients time and cost.
Zachary has a particular interest in litigation and regularly assists with personal grievances, acting for both employers and employees. He has strong experience resolving disputes at an early stage and has also successfully represented clients in the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court.
Outside of his legal practice, Zachary has governance experience as Chairman of American Football Canterbury and Chair of the Disciplinary Committee for New Zealand American Football.
Cases of Note
- Elliot v He Herenga Kura Trust [2025] NZERA 466 – Successfully advanced a constructive dismissal claim before the Authority, obtaining a great result for Ms Elliot.
- YPB v KDQ [2025] NZERA 506 – Secured a confidential determination by consent for our client, avoiding the need to proceed to a substantive Authority hearing.
- Knight v AsureQuality Limited [2025] NZERA 704 – Successfully defended an unjustified dismissal claim, significantly reducing the remedies awarded against our client.
- Rennie v DJ Auto Vehicle Importer Limited [2026] NZERA 27 – Successfully defended a complex personal grievance claim brought against our client.
- Gill v D & D Sai 2023 Limited and Anor [2026] NZERA 211 – Defended a breach of record of settlement claim, achieving a favourable outcome for our client, with only a nominal penalty imposed.
Ariana Enterprises Limited & Anor v Singh [2026] NZEmpC 69 – Secured a Consent Judgment in the Employment Court setting aside the Employment Relations Authority determination and discontinuing the proceedings, with all matters resolved on a full and final, confidential basis and no order as to costs.
Zachary helps both employers and employees with a wide range of employment matters, including:
· Drafting employment agreements and workplace policies.
· Providing strategic and practical advice on restructures, disciplinary processes and dismissals.
· Guiding clients through personal grievances, employment disputes and relationship problems.
· Advising on the enforceability of employment agreements, including restraints of trade.
· Representing clients in disciplinary meetings, performance reviews, exit negotiations and other employment discussions.
· Acting for clients in mediations, as well as in the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court.
· Offering practical advice to prevent and manage employment issues.
· Assisting with workplace investigations, whether providing advice or conducting them independently.
· Resolving personal grievances and other workplace claims.
