Retail assistant Gemma Pedersen was dismissed by WhatsApp/email during a six-month probation period for allegedly missing sales KPIs. She said she had not received the promised practical training and had never been put through a genuine performance process before termination.
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Results for dismissal process
KMW was selected for redundancy by ZIB Digital after a process the employee said had been predetermined and gave consultation no real prospect of changing the outcome. The ERA examined the business rationale, the information provided and whether the consultation was genuine.
Open Country Dairy summarily dismissed Mr Stewart on the final day covered by his medical certificate after a disciplinary process. The ERA considered both the employer's process and Mr Stewart's own conduct when assessing justification and remedies.
Roseanne Sheridan developed PTSD after a serious threat from a resident at work and was dismissed for medical incapacity about six months later. Specialist ACC information and rehabilitation planning were still developing, and a return-to-work process had not been completed.
Store manager Andrea Lawson challenged Luxottica's investigation and employment treatment after concerns were raised about store performance and policy compliance. Her case included disadvantage claims, dismissal allegations and an argument that the employer had failed to accommodate a medical condition.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigated complaints involving firefighter Russell Kinzett and two other firefighters before summarily dismissing him. Mr Kinzett challenged both the investigation process and the dismissal, and was later interim-reinstated.
Neil Hall v Consultex Company Limited [2026] NZERA 410 - genuine redundancy but unjustified process
CaseNeil Hall was made redundant from Consultex's Northland asbestos and mould work after a downturn that gave the employer a genuine reason to reduce headcount. The dispute centred on whether Consultex complied with its good-faith information and consultation obligations before choosing and implementing the redundancy.
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.
