About
Auckland, New ZealandHayden Martelli
Strategic Employment Relations Specialist
Hayden Martelli is a senior Employment Relations specialist with nearly 20 years' experience advising and representing employers and employees across New Zealand.
He has held senior Employment Relations leadership roles within large, publicly listed and highly regulated organisations employing thousands of people, including one of New Zealand's largest aged care providers and Australasia's largest general insurers.
Having spent almost half of his career in senior in-house roles and half advising clients externally, Hayden brings a rare combination of technical expertise and real-world experience. His advice is pragmatic, outcome-focused and shaped by an understanding of both the legal framework and the operational realities organisations face.
Hayden specialises in complex workplace issues where legal, commercial and people considerations intersect. He regularly supports senior leaders, HR professionals and employees to navigate investigations, restructures, performance issues, disputes and personal grievances. He also has extensive experience in collective bargaining, union engagement and pay equity.
Whether you're an employer facing a challenging people issue or an employee needing clear advice, get in touch for an initial discussion. The first conversation is free, with no obligation. Sometimes a short conversation is all it takes to understand where you stand and what your next step should be.
Areas of expertise
- Employment relations strategy
- Personal grievances, mediation & dispute resolution
- ER policies, templates, employment agreements & process documents
- Performance management & disciplinary process
- Medical incapacity & other sensitive matters
- Restructuring & organisational change
- Managed exits & negotiated settlements
- Executive & senior leadership issues
- Collective bargaining & union negotiations
- Coaching & bespoke ER training
- Pay equity & sector-wide industrial relations
- Union engagement & stakeholder management
Clients value Hayden's ability to quickly identify what matters, cut through complexity and develop practical, straightforward strategies that deliver results.