Kate has specialised in employment and health and safety throughout her career, and is passionate about providing commercially pragmatic, tailored solutions to client issues.
Kate acts for employers across a range of industries, giving strategic, compliance and best practice advice on non-contentious matters as well as providing representation in disputes. Kate’s background includes work with a large, top-tier national law firm, an award-winning national employment law boutique, and on secondment in-house in both the private and public sectors.
She regularly presents training and at conferences on employment and health and safety issues. In addition, she is an experienced independent investigator, and holds a certificate in workplace investigations from the Association of Workplace Investigators, as the only internationally recognised course of its nature.
Kate is a member of the Institute of Directors, is on the Bay of Plenty Branch Committee of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRNZ) and is a Trustee of Baywide Community Law Service which provides free legal advice for people on low incomes or with disabilities or other disadvantages.
Kate works between Tauranga and Auckland, and connects with clients throughout New Zealand.
Christie is a Partner at Copeland Ashcroft, based in our Tauranga office. She specialises in employment law, having practised as a lawyer for over 20 years.
Christie’s experience spans various employment law roles, including most recently as Partner of a large Bay of Plenty law firm, where she led their employment team. She also held employment law roles at pwc Sydney and at Buddle Findlay in Auckland.
A passionate, bold advocate for her clients, Christie is, at the same time, known for her sensible, plain English, commercial advice. Getting to the heart of an issue to find pragmatic, cost-effective solutions is what she does best.
Christie acts for both employers and employees. She has acted for many of the larger employers in the Bay of Plenty, including in health, transport, education, local body and Māori land trusts. She has also advocated on behalf of employees and has significant experience acting for senior executives and other employees, including those in regulated professions.
Her experience includes all aspects of employment law, including restructures, acquisitions, personal grievance claims, compliance, human rights and privacy issues. She is especially experienced and skilful at providing strategic advice on employment issues and those involving employee wellbeing.
Christie regularly attends mediations and has represented clients at tribunals and courts of all levels, including the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court and Court of Appeal.
Having practised as an employment lawyer in Sydney for nearly six years, Christie has gained experience advising on global acquisitions, restructures and international assignments. She has also worked with other specialist advisors on associated commercial and tax issues, including relating to employee incentives and share schemes. Her experience has exposed her to all manner of clients from individual employees and small business to large corporates.
She is admitted to the bar in New Zealand and New South Wales, Australia, and is admitted to the High Court of Australia.
Christie sits on the Waikato, Bay of Plenty District Law Society Employment Law Subcommittee and is a member of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand. She is also on the Board of Tautoko Mai, which provides sexual harm support services through Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.
Brianna graduated from the University of Otago in 2024 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology. Brianna is looking forward to beginning her legal career in employment law and assisting on a range of matters. Outside of the office, Brianna enjoys swimming, tennis, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the beautiful Bay of Plenty.
Alice is an accomplished Projects and Marketing Manager with a wealth of experience in optimising business operations.
With a keen eye for strategy and a passion for innovation, Alice has streamlined workflows and implemented efficient processes that drive organisational success. Her extensive experience in project management enables her to navigate complexities and deliver impactful solutions that exceed expectations.
Known for her exceptional time management skills and ability to adapt to shifting priorities, Alice ensures deadlines are met while maintaining a focus on driving progress. Her flexibility and dedication are key assets that contribute to the successful execution of projects and campaigns.
In addition to her professional achievements, Alice is a devoted mother of three children. She understands the importance of work-life balance and manages her time effectively to fulfil her responsibilities at work and at home.
Alice sits on the Australasian Legal Practice Management Association (ALPMA) New Zealand Board and is a member of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand.
Liv is based in the Tauranga office and is Personal Assistant to Christie McGregor and the Tauranga team. With a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach, Liv excels in managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling a variety of administrative tasks with efficiency and professionalism.
Outside of work, Liv enjoys spending time on the hockey turf or at the beach with her dog, Malibu.