RYDER v LEOPARD LIME LIMITED [2025] NZERA 266

This page summarises and embeds an Employment Relations Authority (ERA) determination. It is not legal advice.

Story in plain English

The Authority ordered remedies and addressed unjustified dismissal issues.

In summary, The Authority found the employer has failed to demonstrate it met the requirements under s 103A for employer when dismissing an employee. After that, The Authority found those requirements were not met and Mr Ryder was unjustifiably dismissed by the employer for this reason. Later, Mr Ryder was unjustifiably dismissed [22] For the above reasons, The Authority found Mr Ryder was unjustifiably dismissed by the employer on 2 November 2022, with his dismissal confirmed by Mr Eade's email of 3 November 2022, notwithstanding Mr Eade's comments at the time he had not dismissed Mr Ryder.

Key case markers

• This determination comes from the Wellington registry.
• The parties are RYDER (employee) and LEOPARD LIME LIMITED (employer).
• Hearing date noted: 18 March 2025.
• Authority member: Shane Kinley.

Key events described

• The Authority found the employer has failed to demonstrate it met the requirements under s 103A for employer when dismissing an employee.
• The Authority found those requirements were not met and Mr Ryder was unjustifiably dismissed by the employer for this reason.
• Mr Ryder was unjustifiably dismissed [22] For the above reasons, The Authority found Mr Ryder was unjustifiably dismissed by the employer on 2 November 2022, with his dismissal confirmed by Mr Eade's email of 3 November 2022, notwithstanding Mr Eade's comments at the time he had not dismissed Mr Ryder.

Decision markers

• The Authority found the employer has failed to demonstrate it met the requirements under s 103A for employer when dismissing an employee.
• The Authority found those requirements were not met and Mr Ryder was unjustifiably dismissed by the employer for this reason.
• Mr Ryder was unjustifiably dismissed [22] For the above reasons, The Authority found Mr Ryder was unjustifiably dismissed by the employer on 2 November 2022, with his dismissal confirmed by Mr Eade's email of 3 November 2022, notwithstanding Mr Eade's comments at the time he had not dismissed Mr Ryder.

Orders and payments mentioned

• Compensation: $20,000
• Costs: Costs reserved.

Note: figures above are extracted from the orders section (or the final orders wording). Check the PDF for full context and any gross/net directions.

Practical takeaways

• Dismissal justification is assessed through s 103A: what a fair and reasonable employer could have done in all the circumstances.

Read the full ERA determination (embedded)

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Source: Employment Relations Authority determination hosted on determinations.era.govt.nz.