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Farm assistant Blue Hunt's employment ended after a cowshed dispute with Lance Wakelin. The case required the ERA to determine who the employer was, whether Mr Hunt had been dismissed and whether any fair process or substantive reason justified the termination.

A practical framework for distinguishing ordinary misconduct from serious misconduct after the 2026 remedy amendments, with emphasis on the contractual standard, the facts proved and proportionality.

Employment-law lessons from misconduct at Christmas parties and other work functions, including alcohol, off-duty conduct, investigations and when discipline or dismissal may be justified.

A care worker with 21 years' service was summarily dismissed after a resident incident, principally for not calling an ambulance. The ERA examined whether the employer judged her conduct with hindsight and fairly considered what she actually knew, her explanations and gaps in workplace policies and practice.

LJB had already resigned and was working out one month's notice when EBD's HR manager called her to a meeting, told her to clear her desk and sent her away before the notice period expired. No allegations or supporting material had been put to her in advance and she had no genuine opportunity to respond.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand summarily dismissed Russell Kinzett following an investigation into conduct that included breaches of FENZ policies. The ERA held the dismissal unjustified, and FENZ brought a de novo challenge in the Employment Court.

Philip Moller was dismissed by Cardinal Logistics after refusing a drug and alcohol test said to arise from a safety complaint. The case turned on whether Cardinal had genuine and reasonable grounds to require the test and whether it fairly verified the allegation before suspending and dismissing him.

Lyon Kawhaaru was 'instant dismissed' by email from The Deck Tahuna after a customer incident at the Nelson café. The ERA examined what actually occurred, whether the employer fairly investigated it and how Mr Kawhaaru's own conduct should affect remedies.