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. 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.
Mizba migrated from the UK to New Zealand over 11 years ago with her young family.
Mizba has a background in advocacy and disability rights (whilst in the UK). Her work experience in New Zealand ranges from her role as a Labour Inspector, monitoring and enforcing employers’ compliance with minimum employment rights and as a Solicitor in a general practice law firm. Mizba has also volunteered at a community Law firm in Tauranga.
With an interest in workplace matters she will bring a unique perspective from her experience as a Labour Inspector.
Mizba was admitted to the New Zealand Bar in November 2020.
Mizba has settled in Tauranga. Outside of work Mizba enjoys spending time with her family and enjoys cooking traditional foods.
Mizba will be based in the Tauranga office.
Sam graduated from the University of Otago in early 2024 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics. He is currently undertaking Professional Legal Studies and is due to be admitted in late 2024.
Sam is passionate about employment law and enjoys supporting clients with all workplace matters.
In his spare time, Sam enjoys staying active, playing team sports, hiking and rock climbing.
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.
Amy is based in the Tauranga office in the role of Practice Coordinator / Executive Assistant to Kate Ashcroft, Christie McGregor and Myriam Mitchell. She has extensive administration experience in law having worked in sectors such as restructuring, commercial and estate planning. The employment/health & safety law sector will be a great new challenge for her.