Work & Employment Advocacy
with Laura Trethewey

Employment
Support & Advice

Learn about your rights & options.
Support in meetings at work.
Talk to your Employer on your behalf.
Act as a representative or support person.

Workplace
Issues & Conflict

Bullying, harassment, or discrimination
Disciplinary or performance processes
Restructures, redundancy, or dismissal
Return-to-work after illness or injury

Personal Grievances & Settlements

Raising personal grievances
Negotiating fair settlements
No-win-no-fee options (for qualifying cases)
Help with mediation or going to the ERA

Documents & Templates

Help writing letters/emails to your employer
Help with agreements, contracts, or policies
Help with CVs and Cover Letters
Help understanding work documents

Coaching & Confidence

Build confidence for conversations at work
Help to represent yourself or others at work
Skills to manage conflict or tricky situations
Career advice, coaching & support

About
Work. with Laura

Kia ora, I’m Laura Trethewey (she/her).

My goal is to make work fair, safe, and human for everyone.

I have spent over 10 years working in senior HR and Health & Safety leadership roles and over the past 5 years have been an Employment Advocate, supporting individuals with workplace challenges. Over that time, I’ve supported people and organisations through everything from workplace disputes to restructures, mediations, and Employment Relations Authority (ERA) cases.

I am also the founding trustee of Spectrum Work Aotearoa, a registered New Zealand charity that supports neurodiverse and rainbow individuals at work. This role reflects my commitment to making workplaces fair, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.

When you work with me, I will listen carefully and give honest, clear, and practical support.

What's an Employment Advocate?

An Employment Advocate is someone who stands with you and speaks up for you in workplace issues.

As an Employment Advocate, I bring 15+ years’ professional experience in HR, H&S, and employment relations.

I've supported both employees and employers - everything from small conflicts to big problems that end up at mediation or the ERA. Because I've supported both sides, I understand both perspectives and can help find creative solutions to problems.

I’m not a lawyer and can’t provide regulated legal services. But I can support you with most employment/work related issues.

Advocacy is often more affordable than legal services, while still giving you strong support. If legal advice is required, I will connect you with the right lawyer to make sure you are fully supported.

Support for Diverse Individuals

I specialise in supporting diverse individuals, especially people who identify as neurodiverse or are part of the rainbow/LGBTQ+ community.

Through my work, and as a neurodiverse person, I’ve seen the challenges diverse individuals face in workplaces, from being misunderstood, to not having their strengths recognised.

That’s why I do my best to make advocacy support accessible, safe, and respectful, by: