WILKINS v DD GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED [2025] NZERA 536

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

Story in plain English

A costs determination was made.

In summary, On 19 April 2024 Ms Wilkins said she received a telephone call from Murdoch Razmi during which they discussed her being interviewed for the position of Store Manager which DDGH considered her skills more applicable. After that, On 14 May 2024 Ms Wilkins said she was shocked to receive an emailed letter from Murdoch Razmi terminating her employment. Later, Lost remuneration [53] Ms Wilkins said that she applied for other positions after her dismissal, obtaining alternative employment starting on 26 August 2024. The determination records that The Authority found that Ms Wilkins contributed towards the situation which resulted in her dismissal and reduce the remedies ordered by 70 per cent.

Key case markers

• This determination comes from the Auckland registry.
• The parties are WILKINS (employee) and DD GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED (employer).
• Hearing date noted: 19 August 2025.
• Authority member: Eleanor Robinson.

Key events described

• On 19 April 2024 Ms Wilkins said she received a telephone call from Murdoch Razmi during which they discussed her being interviewed for the position of Store Manager which DDGH considered her skills more applicable.
• On 14 May 2024 Ms Wilkins said she was shocked to receive an emailed letter from Murdoch Razmi terminating her employment.
• Lost remuneration [53] Ms Wilkins said that she applied for other positions after her dismissal, obtaining alternative employment starting on 26 August 2024.
• The Authority found that Ms Wilkins contributed towards the situation which resulted in her dismissal and reduce the remedies ordered by 70 per cent.

Decision markers

• The Authority found that Ms Wilkins contributed towards the situation which resulted in her dismissal and reduce the remedies ordered by 70 per cent.
• The Authority found the employee contributed to the situation and reduced remedies by 70%.

Orders and payments mentioned

• Lost remuneration: $7,500.00 gross (after a 70% contribution reduction)
• Compensation: $2,400.00 (after a 70% contribution reduction)
• Filing fee: $71.55
• 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

• Trial-period disputes often come down to strict compliance with s 67B and the written agreement.
• 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.