I’m so grateful for all the support I received from David Dewhurst at Advocates at Work during a very difficult time in my career. I was in a situation where I was being treated unfairly and disadvantaged at work, which left me feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next.
David took the time to really listen to my concerns, read through all documents I emailed to him relating to my situation and helped me understand my rights and options in a clear and simple way. With his guidance, we were able to approach my employer professionally and convince them to agree to my exit requests, allowing me to leave on fair and respectful terms.
Throughout the whole process, David was patient, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable. He gave me the confidence to make decisions and supported me every step of the way.
What was a very stressful and upsetting experience became so much more manageable because I had David and Advocates at Work on my side.
I can’t thank David and Advocates at Work enough and I do highly recommend their services to anyone facing workplace challenges or feeling like they’re not being treated fairly at work.

It was a pleasure being supported by you Brian. I never imagined I would get this far, so soon. I'm beyond grateful to be out of that toxic workplace. I'm able to breathe better. I'm more patient with my family. I'm not in fright or flight mode as often as I was. I have mental space to absorb new information and actually remember what I've learned.

I am very grateful for Ruth's assistance in navigating a challenging situation with an employer. She provided invaluable guidance, helping me understand the necessary steps to move forward. Furthermore, she empowered me to advocate for myself, clarified my employee rights, and offered unwavering support when needed. Her friendly demeanor, supportive nature, and excellent communication skills made the process feel much more manageable. I wholeheartedly recommend Ruth to anyone seeking an advocate.

Thank you Ruth for the support, professionalism, and empathy that you showed me throughout a difficult experience in my career.

From the moment we spoke on the phone until the final conversation we had - Ruth listened carefully, understood the emotional and legal complexities, and gave me the confidence to stand up for myself without fear.

She navigated a stressful and hostile situation with clarity and strength, helping me secure a respectful exit. She was responsive, honest, and her guidance made me feel protected every step of the way.

I cannot recommend Ruth highly enough. She truly advocates not just legally, but personally too!

David and Ruth you have been both more than advocates in a professional setting, you have also been a great support for us mentally when it comes to taking on the emotional effects of something like this, and having the validation to know what we were experiencing wasn't right or fair means alot to us - so thank you again.

After years of service I was faced with a sudden wrongful dismissal, I was lost and faced with a scary situation, feeling powerless to do anything I reached out and I came across Ruth, she was nothing but fantastic and understanding, she listened to what I had to say and helped me feel at ease with the situation.

She was nothing but professional and effective from start to finish as well as always gave realistic advice and expectations.

I was very happy and relieved with the outcome she achieved, to be seen and heard in a dark time meant more than she'll know, Would recommend her in a heartbeat because she genuinely gets excited to help people in their tough situations.

From time to time, I have referred employee clients to Ruth when I haven’t had capacity to assist them myself.

Ruth proactively assisted the referred clients and achieved a successful outcome for them.

At a time when you are faced with the stress of a workplace dispute, you need someone on your side and Ruth was that person for me.

Right from the first conversation I had with Ruth, I could tell that she cared. Her focus was getting me a fair outcome and she stood up for my rights.

Her attention to detail and her knowledge of employment law ensured that the organisation was held accountable and that I received compensation for the undue stress that it caused.

Ruth has been incredible throughout my wrongful dismissal dispute, making sure I felt heard and understood. She empathised completely and remembered every minor detail from our first conversation.

Your care, compassion, and understanding were exceptional. I honestly couldn’t have made it through without your unwavering support. It felt as if you were right by my side, guiding me through this rollercoaster.

Thank you for everything, especially the favourable outcome. Your expertise in employment law is truly exceptional.

After undergoing surgery in 2024, I faced a negative response from my employer due to the time I had to take off work. I was unsure how to handle the situation and felt very overwhelmed.

Seeking legal advice, I was fortunate to work with Ruth Pettengell, who helped me navigate the issue. Ruth’s support was crucial in helping me to achieve a fair outcome and gave me the confidence to address the matter.

The guidance and support I received made a difficult experience much more manageable, and I feel confident saying that without Ruth’s help, I don’t believe I would have been able to find a solution.

Ruth, you showed me that you go "All Out" when injustice happens and truly work in the best interests of your client. For someone feeling beaten down and discarded by an employer, having your fierce support and commitment to justice is a true blessing.

I was fortunate to have you referred by another client who sang your praises, and I now do the same. Your service, friendship, and the "Winning Outcome" you achieved show how professional and dedicated you are.

You demonstrate to companies across New Zealand that they can’t abuse or mistreat their employees.

From the bottom of my heart, Ruth, THANK YOU and BLESS YOU. I hope you continue to Stand Strong "Kia Kaha" for the People.

You took the stress off both of us and your understanding helped us work through things. We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your professional work that you have done for us.

My experience with Ruth’s work was impressive.

I had a tough situation with many emotions, but she handled everything with professionalism and approachability. Ruth is very responsive to queries and understanding of emotions.

Her experience shines through. She communicates and gets things done excellently.

I would definitely recommend Ruth and Advocates at Work. They resolved my issue quickly and effectively. I’m certain she will help others in tough situations just as marvellously.

I reached out to Ruth when I was experiencing bullying within the workplace and she helped navigate in a supportive and kind way through the correct process in which my employer wasn't following.

She guided through processes and protocols and navigated with HR with me and provided strength and reassurance thought out the ordeal together with my amazing wife. Ruth approached all dealings with us with kindness and heart as well as understanding the impact of this process on my mental health.

Ruth helped me feel empowered in any decisions I made along the way and explained all implications in a friendly and approachable way.