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Joe Tonner MHRINZ (Employment Relations)

Mobile: 027 277 8139

Email: joe@joetonner.co.nz

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From Clydeside to Christchurch...Joe Tonner

Joe Tonner is recognised as a leading specialist in New Zealand in employment relations with over 40 years experience in industrial and workplace relations. His extensive knowledge and skills were recognised when he was admitted to professional membership of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand Incorporated, with specialist membership in employment relations.

Joe is known for his pragmatism and judgment, his negotiating skills and ability to use his extensive knowledge of employment relations to support the strategic objectives of the business.

Joe’s experience began in industrial shipyards of Glasgow and Clydeside, followed by training in employment law with the New Zealand Department of Labour. For 20 years, Joe worked in the trade union movement in New Zealand, culminating in his appointment to National Secretary of the country's largest union, PSA (Public Service Association). During 1990’s Joe developed strategies in partnership approaches to employment relations which continue to be used after 15 years across the public service.

Joe works with his clients in a number of complex situations including collective bargaining, industrial disputes, strikes and lockouts, employment dispute resolution and disciplinary and performance management processes. Joe is also skilled in organisational change and employee engagement achieving positive outcomes in all areas.

Since 1999, Joe Tonner has been advising employers on strategic approaches to employment relations in a variety of large public sector organisations, including Christchurch City Council, Crop and Food Research (now Plant Food Research NZ), Housing New Zealand and New Zealand Public Service Association. Joe has worked for large international private companies such as Ecolab Limited and a number of smaller organisations such as Breastfeeding Association of NZ and Leonard’s Superior Smallgoods.

Joe is a highly regarded Employment Relations Advisor and has appeared on behalf of employers and employees in the employment institutions.

Joe is an insightful and entertaining presenter and trainer and has presented on panel discussions for Human Resource Institute of New Zealand.