Personal Grievance Letter NZ – Free Template (Raise Within 90 Days)
Use this free personal grievance letter NZ (New Zealand): fill it in online, download it as Word or PDF, and follow our step-by-step guide – where to send it, whether it needs notarizing, what to attach and mistakes to avoid.
| Country | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Document type | Complaints & legal |
| Format | Word, PDF & fill in online |
| Cost | Free |
| Time to complete | about 5 minutes |
| Notarization | Not required |
What is this letter for?
A personal grievance is a formal complaint about issues such as unjustified dismissal, unjustified disadvantage, discrimination or bullying. It must be raised with your employer within 90 days of the event or of becoming aware of it, giving enough detail for the employer to respond.
Where do you send it?
Send it to your employer (manager or HR) in writing, and keep a copy.
Does it need to be notarized?
Not required. No witness or JP is needed: sign the letter yourself (an email is usually fine) and keep proof of when it was sent.
What you need before you start
- Dates and description of events
- Type of grievance
- Remedies sought
How to use this template
- Click each yellow field inside the letter and type your details directly (Enter jumps to the next field).
- Read the text through; the “Edit” button lets you change any sentence.
- Click “Word”, “PDF” or “Copy”, then sign and send.
Free template : personal grievance letter NZ
Your full name
Street address
Suburb, City Postcode
Phone | Email
Today’s date
Manager name
Company name
Company address
Re: Personal grievance – Your name
Dear Recipient name,
I am raising a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal / unjustified disadvantage / other.
On Date, describe what happened. I believe this was unjustified because reasons.
To resolve this, I seek remedies, e.g. reinstatement, compensation, lost wages. I would like to meet to discuss it, and I am open to mediation through MBIE.
Kind regards,
Your full name
⚠️ Disclaimer: this template is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Always check the requirements of the organization you are writing to before sending it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Missing the 90-day limit.
- ❌ Not enough detail.
- ❌ No remedy stated.
Tips before you send it
- Raise it within 90 days.
- Give enough detail for the employer to respond.
- Consider free MBIE mediation.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to raise a personal grievance?
90 days from the action or from when you became aware of it.
What happens if it is not resolved?
You can go to mediation and then the Employment Relations Authority.
Where do I send this letter (personal grievance letter NZ)?
Send it to your employer (manager or HR) in writing, and keep a copy.
Does this letter (personal grievance letter NZ) need to be notarized?
Not required – No witness or JP is needed: sign the letter yourself (an email is usually fine) and keep proof of when it was sent.