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Judgments of the Court 2008

Judgments for the 2008 year

Judgments of the Employment Court from 1 Janauary 2008 are available below.  ERA determinations  are issued by the Department of Labour.

"From time to time the Court decides cases that have general importance for practitioners of employment law as well as for the particular parties. These will include some judgments of the full Court and others examining and applying new law. These are marked with an * in the monthly lists of all judgments and consolidated on the  Decisions of Note page."

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2008 Judgments

January February March April May June July August September October November December

December 2008

  • Lee v Minor Developments Ltd t/a Before Six Childcare Centre [Judge Shaw, AC 52/08, 23 December 2008] – Whether casual employment and whether justifiably dismissed for redundancy. (PDF 49KB)
  • Mitchell v Blue Star Print Group (NZ) Ltd [Judge Shaw,WC 21/08, 23 December 2008] – Constructive dismissal caused by failure of employer to properly address workplace injury and stress issues. (PDF 69KB)
  • Real Cool Ltd v Gunfield [Judge Travis, AC 53/08, 23 December 2008] – Direction as to nature and extent of challenge following receipt of good faith report. (PDF 49KB)
  • Bay of Plenty DHB v Breeze [Judge Travis, AC 28A/08, 22 December 2008] – Costs. (PDF 20KB)
  • Barry v Anoop Investments Ltd [Judge Couch, AC 19B/08, 19 December 2008] – Application for security for costs (PDF 13KB)
  • Merchant v Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections [Judge Couch, AC 50/08, 17 December 2008] – Personal grievances alleging unjustifiable disadvantage, unjustified dismissal and constructive dismissal following restructuring (PDF 99KB)
  • Butcher v OCS Ltd [Judge Travis, CC 8A/08, 16 December 2008] – Costs.(PDF 20KB)
  • Panovski v Marine Trimmers & All Awnings 2004 Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 24A/08, 16 December 2008] – Costs.(PDF 31KB)
  • Clear v Waikato DHB [Judge Shaw, AC 49/08, 15 December 2008] – Disadvantage for failing to investigate bullying complaints and dismissal for absence due to illness.(PDF 108KB)
  • Snowdon v Radio New Zealand Ltd [Judge Travis, WC 19A/08, 11 December 2008] – Reasons for oral judgment striking out plaintiff’s statement of claim.(PDF 45KB)
  • New Zealand Tramways and Public Transport Employees Union Incorporated & Anor v Transportation Auckland Corporation Limited and Cityline (New Zealand) Limited [Full Court (Judges Travis and Shaw), AC 48/08 12 December 2008] – Reconsideration of decision on interpretation of annual leave in a collective agreement in light of s6 Holidays Act 2003.(PDF 49KB)
  • Allright v Canon New Zealand Ltd [Judge Couch, AC 47/08, 3 December 2008] – Challenge to a determination of the Authority ordering an injunction upholding restraint of trade.(PDF 48KB)
  • Clark v Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology [Judge Couch, CC12A/08, 5 December 2008] – Costs.(PDF 24KB)
  • Taylor v Land Transport NZ [Judge Travis, AC 46/08, 1 December 2008] – Oral judgment adjourning application to strike out amended statement of claim.(PDF 12KB)
  • DB Breweries Ltd v NZAEPMU [Judge Couch, CC 17/08, 1 December 2008] – Interpretation of collective agreement as to whether certain employees could be required to work shifts without their agreement.(PDF 36KB)
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November 2008

*Olsen v Carter Holt Harvey IT Ltd Full Court [Chief Judge Colgan, Judges Shaw and Couch, AC 45/08, 24 November 2008] – Protection of affected employees who are not vulnerable employees when a business is transferred.(PDF 96.8KB)

  • Musa v Whanganui DHB & anor [Judge Shaw, WC 20/08, 18 November 2008] – Application by second defendant to strike out claims against him.(PDF 39.6KB)
  • Williams v The Warehouse Ltd [Judge Couch, AC 32A/08, 17 November 2008] – Costs.(PDF 17.6KB)
  • Denyer v Les Griffen Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 43A/08, 14 November 2008] – Order for sequestration and fine.(PDF 18.8KB)
  • Snowdon v Radio NZ Ltd [Judge Travis, WC 19/08, 12 November 2008] – Oral judgment striking out appication for compliance order.(PDF 12.8KB)
  • HP Industries (NZ) Ltd v Davison [Judge Shaw, AC 44/08, 7 November 2008] – Unjustified disadvantage in redundancy process.(PDF 54.3KB)
  • Nordic Power Dessicants NZ Ltd v Legge [Judge Couch, CC 16/08, 4 November 2008] – Order striking out proceedings.(PDF 15KB)
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October 2008

  • Air Nelson Ltd v Neill [Judge Couch, CC 15/08, 28 October 2008] - Disadvantage by employer reporting about employee's medical condition to Civil Aviation Authority (PDF 96KB)
  • Orakei Group (2007) Ltd (formerly PRP Auckland Limited) v Doherty [Judge Shaw, WC 12B/08, 28 October 2008] - Costs. (PDF 38KB)
  • Griffin v Petworkz Online Ltd [Judge Shaw, AC 21A/08, 24 October 2008] - Whether exceptional circumstance justifying granting of leave to bring personal grievance outside 90 day period (PDF 26KB)
  • Taylor & Anor v von Tunzelman [Judge Shaw, AC 8B/08, 15 October 2008] - Identity of the employer (PDF 43KB)
  • Denyer v Les Griffen Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 43/08, 13 October 2008] - Application for orders where defendant had not complied with compliance order. (PDF 18.7KB)
  • Pacific Palms International Resort & Golf Club Ltd v Smith and ors [Judge Travis, AC 25A/08, 13 October 2008] - Application for orders where plaintiff had not complied with compliance order. (PDF 15.3KB)
  • PGG Wrightson Ltd v Jary [Full Court (Chief Judge Colgan & Judges Shaw and Couch), CC 14/08, 10 October 2008] – Decision on preliminary issues. (PDF 31.3KB)
  • Arthur D Riley & Co Ltd v Wood [Judge Shaw, WC 18/08, 8 October 2008] – Dismissal for breach of e-mail and internet policy. (PDF 67.3KB)
  • Q-Med (Sweden) Australia Pty Ltd v MacDonald [Judge Shaw, AC 42/08, 6 October 2008] - Application for substituted service. (PDF 14KB)
  • NZ Professional Firefighters Union and ors v The NZ Fire Service Commission and ors [Judge Couch, WC 9A/08, 3 October 2008] – Costs. (PDF 39.8KB)
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September 2008

  • Bagchi v IRD [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 40/08, 26 September 2008] - Dismissal for poor performance. (PDF 82.5KB)
  • Eastern Bay Independent Industrial Workers Union v ABB Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 41/08, 26 September 2008] - Claims of passing on, unlawful preference, and unlawful undermining of a union and the collective bargaining process. (PDF 85KB)
  • Mana Coach Services Ltd v NZ Tramways & Public Passenger Transport Union Inc [Chief Judge Colgan, WC 13B/08, 26 September 2008] - Whether employees entitled to payment of wages after intended strike action cancelled, whether replacement labour lawfully engaged, and whether direct employer communications during bargaining breached good faith (PDF 103KB)

    Footnote 2 – Application for leave to appeal granted by Court of Appeal

    Footnote 3 - Appeal allowed by Court of Appeal

  • Witcombe v Clerk of the House of Representatives [Chief Judge Colgan, WC 17/08, 26 September 2008] - Preliminary issues of legal professional and/or litigation privilege and parliamentary privilege. (PDF 219KB)
  • McKean v The Board Of Trustees Of Wakaaranga School [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 38/08, 24 September 2008] - Costs (PDF 23KB)
  • Oldco PTI Ltd v Houston [Judge Couch, AC 26A/08, 24 September 2008] - Costs (PDF 15KB)
  • Prins & Anor v Tirohanga Group Ltd (Formerly Tirohanga Rural Estates Ltd) [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 39/08, 24 September 2008] - Costs (PDF 26KB)
  • Orakei Group (2007) Ltd (Formerly Axiom Rolle PRP Valuation Services Ltd) v Kapadia & Ors [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 37/08, 23 September 2008] - Applications for joinder of parties and costs (PDF 44KB)
  • ANZ National Bank Ltd v Svensson [Judge Shaw, CC 13/08, 19 September 2008] - Change to days and hours of work (PDF 64KB)
  • Buchanan v Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 36/08, 18 September 2008] - Challenge resolved by agreement between parties (PDF 10KB)
  • Webb v The New Zealand Tramways and Public Passenger Transport Employees' Union Inc [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 35/08, 18 September 2008] - Application for leave to file challenge out of time (PDF 31KB)
  • * Air Nelson Ltd v The New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association IUOW Inc & Anor [Full Court (Chief Judge Colgan & Judges Shaw and Couch) AC 17B/08, 17 September 2008] - Form of strike notices in essential services, service of those notices, and jurisdiction of Court to validate informal strike notices (PDF 57KB)
  • Wesley Community Action Trust v Dickson & anor [Chief Judge Colgan, WC 16/08, 16 September 2008] - Application for interim order under Judicature Amendment Act 1972 (PDF 26KB)
  • Monteith v Eagle [Judge Couch, WC 10A/08, 11 September 2008] - Costs (PDF 11KB)
  • Sheridan v Hirequip Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 34/08, 10 September 2008] - Application for further particulars and for document disclosure (PDF 52KB)
  • Auckland DHB & 20 other DHBs named in the attached schedule v NZ Resident Doctors' Assoc Inc [Full Court (Chief Judge Colgan & Judge Couch), AC 33/08, 8 September 2008] - Reasons for refusing to allow defendant to advance two separate and additional claims mid-trial. (PDF 15KB)
  • Williams v The Warehouse Ltd [Judge Couch, AC 32/08, 5 September 2008] - Dismissal for disclosure of confidential information (PDF 59KB)
  • *Te Ao v Chief Executive of the Department of Labour [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 31/08, 3 September 2008] - Whether mediator precluded from giving evidence about events at mediation which led to mediator's dismissal (PDF 75KB)
  • Craig v Carter Holt Harvey Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 30/08, 3 September 2008] - Dismissal for unauthorised possession of company property (PDF 64KB)
  • Vice-Chancellor University of Auckland v Panoho [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 29/08, 3 September 2008] - Challenge resolved by agreement between parties (PDF 11KB)

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August 2008

  • Bay of Plenty District Health Board v Breeze [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 28/08, 29 August 2008] - Interlocutory application for directions (PDF 24KB)
  • SCA Hygiene Australasia Ltd v The Pulp & Paper Industry Council of the Manufacturing & Construction Workers Union Inc & Ors [Judge Shaw, AC 27/08, 28 August 2008] - Application for permanent injunction to restrain strike action (PDF 44KB)
  • Oldco PTI Ltd v Houston [Judge Couch, AC 26/08, 25 August 2008] - Applications for compliance order, security for costs and stay of proceedings. (PDF 34KB)
  • Pacific Palms International Resort & Golf Club Ltd v Smith [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 25/08, 21 August 2008] - Direction as to nature and extent of challenge following receipt of good faith report (PDF 26KB)
  • Clark v NMIT [Judge Couch, CC12/08, 19 August 2008] - Whether personal grievance raised within statutory time period (PDF 38KB)
  • *Ryan Security & Consulting (Otago) Ltd v Bolton [Full Court (Chief Judge Colgan, Judges Shaw and Couch) CC 11/08, 18 August 2008] - Whether Authority can punish for contempt for breach of its orders. (PDF 49KB)
  • Orakei Group (2007) Ltd (Formerly PRP Auckland Ltd) v Doherty [Judge Shaw, WC 12A/08, 15 August 2008] - Whether plaintiff was joint employer of defendant (PDF 53KB)
  • Hawkins v Commissioner of Police [Judge Shaw, WC 7B/08, 12 August 2008] - Remedies (PDF 50KB)
  • Corbett v Nelson Pine Industries Ltd [Judge Couch, CC 10/08, 4 August 2008] - Application for leave to file challenge out of time (PDF 16KB)
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July 2008

  • Panovski v Marine Trimmers and All Awnings 2004 Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 24/08, 25 July 2008] - Non de novo challenge to remedies awarded (PDF 78KB)
  • Coffey v The Christchurch Press, a division of Fairfax New Zealand Ltd [Judge Travis, CC 9/08, 24 July 2008] - Unjustified dismissal for using offensive language towards supervisor (PDF 70KB)
  • Roebeck & anor v Bradford Trust Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 20A/08, 21 July 2008] - Direction as to nature and extent of challenge following receipt of good faith report. (PDF 25KB)
  • Barry v Anoop Investments Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 19A/08, 21 July 2008] - Costs. (PDF 17KB)
  • Butcher v OCS Ltd [Judge Travis, CC 8/08, 16 July 2008] - Whether employee could be summarily dismissed for serious misconduct for failure to obey a lawful order in respect of behaviour categorised as misconduct (PDF 81KB)
  • Taylor & Anor v von Tunzelman [Judge Travis, AC 8A/08, 15 July 2008] – Application to amend second amended statement of claim (PDF 18KB)
  • Yong t/a Yong & Co Chartered Accountants v Chin [Judge Couch, AC 1A/08, 14 July 2008] - Costs (PDF 20KB)
  • Weston v Fraser [Judge Travis, WC 15/08, 4 July 2008] – Identity of the employer (PDF 59KB)
  • Potter v Australian Consolidated Press NZ Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 15A/08, 3 July 2008] - Application for leave to file challenge out of time (PDF 30KB)
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June 2008

  • Mana Coach Services Ltd v NZ Tramways and Public Passenger Transport Union (Wellington Branch) Inc [Chief Judge Colgan, WC 13A/08, 30 June 2008] – Reasons concerning application to admit hearsay evidence and issue of document disclosure. (PDF 50KB)
  • Busing v Autoterminal New Zealand Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 23/08, 26 June 2008] - Application for stay and for security for costs (PDF 13KB)
  • Mana Coach Services Ltd v NZ Tramways and Public Passenger (Wellington Branch) [Chief Judge Colgan, WC 13/08, 24 June 2008] – Oral judgment concerning application to admit hearsay evidence and issue of document disclosure. (PDF 15KB)
  • Postal Workers Association v NZ Post Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 16A/08, 23 June 2008] – Reasons for dismissing challenge regarding interpretation of collective agreement concerning motor vehicle allowances. (PDF 39KB)
  • Orakei Group (2007) Ltd (Formerly PRP Auckland Limited) v Doherty [Chief Judge Colgan, WC 12/08, 23 June 2008] – Application for security for costs. (PDF 15KB)
  • *McCain Foods (NZ) Ltd v SFWU Full Court [Chief Judge Colgan & Judges Travis and Couch, WC 11/08, 23 June 2008] – Use of employees of competitor company as union representatives (PDF 86KB)
  • *Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University v Stewart [Judge Couch, CC 5C/08, 17 June 2008] – Process for challenging order removing proceedings to Employment Court. (PDF 48KB)
  • Monteith v Eagle [Judge Couch, WC 10/08, 17 June 2008] – Application for leave to file challenge out of time (PDF 35KB)
  • Hardie (Practising as J D Hardie & Co) v Round [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 9A/08, 5 June 2008] - Application for indemnity costs (PDF 19KB)
  • Sefo v Sealord Shellfish Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, CC 4B/08, 4 June 2008] - Costs (PDF 24KB)
  • NZAEPMU v Marley NZ Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 22/08, 3 June 2008] - Interpretation of collective agreement concerning entitlement to shift allowances (PDF 80KB)
  • Griffin v Petworkz Online Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 21/08, 3 June 2008] - Application to dismiss proceedings (PDF 14KB)
  • Barry v Anoop Investments Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 19/08, 3 June 2008] - Application for leave to file statement of defence out of time (PDF 37KB)
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May 2008

  • Roebeck & Anor v Bradford Trust Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 20/08, 30 May 2008] - Application for stay of execution of remedies (PDF 30KB)
  • New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union & Ors v The New Zealand Fire Service Commission & Ors [Judge Couch, WC 9/08, 29 May 2008] - Challenge to determination of Employment Relations Authority refusing to grant interim injunctions (PDF 35KB)
  • Air Nelson Ltd v New Zealand Air Line Pilots Association IUOW Inc & Anor [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 17A/08, 28 May 2008] - Reasons for dismissing application for interlocutory injunction to restrain strike action (PDF 300KB)
  • Nelson v Fletcher Steel Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 18/08, 26 May 2008] - Application to file amended statement of claim (PDF 31KB)
  • Air Nelson Ltd v New Zealand Air Line Pilots Association Inc & Anor [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 17/08, 23 May 2008] - Application for interlocutory injunction (PDF 11KB)
  • Ka'ai & Ors v The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago [Judge Travis, CC 7/08, 23 May 2008] - Costs (PDF 20KB)
  • Postal Workers Assoc v NZ Post Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 16/08, 20 May 2008] - Interpretation of collective agreement concerning payment of motor vehicle allowances (PDF 11KB)
  • Sealed Air (New Zealand) v NZAEPMU [Chief Judge Colgan, WC 8/08, 19 May 2008] - Interpretation of collective agreement concerning meal breaks (PDF 40KB)
  • The Board of Trustees of Te Kura Kaupapa Motuhake o Tawhiuau v Edmonds [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 14/08, 16 May 2008] - Whether personal grievance raised within statutory time period (PDF 81KB)
  • Potter v Australian Consolidated Press NZ Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 15/08, 15 May 2008] - Directions regarding application for leave to file challenge out of time (PDF 11KB)
  • *Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University v Stewart [Judge Couch, CC 5B/08, 13 May 2008] - Reasons for decision that challenge filed out of time and granting extension of time. (PDF 31KB)
  • Progressive Meats Ltd v Meat & Related Trades Workers Union of Aotearoa Inc [Chief Judge Colgan, WC 1A/08, 9 May 2008] - Costs (PDF 18KB)
  • Hawea v The Attorney-General in respect of the Chief Executive of the Child, Youth and Family Services [Judge Travis, AC 13/08, 7 May 2008] - Application to strike out part of statement of claim (PDF 12KB)
  • Paki v Panel Holdings Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 12/08, 2 May 2008] - Application for indemnity costs (PDF 12KB)
  • Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University v Stewart [Judge Couch, CC 5A/08, 2 May 2008] - Challenge to order removing matter to Court (PDF 11KB)
  • Shakes & Anor v Norske Skog Tasman Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 11/08, 1 May 2008] - Non de novo challenge to determinations on jurisdiction and rejection of personal grievances (PDF 55KB)
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April 2008

  • Maher v Counties Manukau DHB [Judge Travis, AC 10/08, 29 April 2008] - Application for matter to be administratively withdrawn (PDF 11KB)
  • Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University v Stewart [Judge Couch, CC 5/08, 21 April 2008] - Application for declaration that challenge filed out of time and application to extend time for filing challenge (PDF 11KB)
  • Sefo v Sealord Shellfish Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, CC 4A/08, 17 April 2008] - Non de novo challenge on issues of suspension, reinstatement, and contribution (PDF 86KB)
  • Hardie (Practising as J D Hardie & Co) v Round [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 9/08, 16 April 2008] - Appeal against Employment Tribunal decision (PDF 64KB)
  • Taylor & Anor v von Tunzelman [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 8/08, 15 April 2008] - Direction as to nature and extent of challenge (PDF 39KB)
  • Sefo v Sealord Shellfish Ltd [Chief Judge Colgan, CC 4/08, 14 April 2008] - Reasons for interlocutory judgment (PDF 26KB)
  • George v Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Nelson [Judge Couch, CC 6/08, 10 April 2008] - Challenge to interim reinstatement order (PDF 42KB)
  • Maritime Union of New Zealand Inc And Ors v TLNZ Ltd And Anor [Chief Judge Colgan, AC 7/08, 10 April 2008] - Costs (PDF 46KB)
  • South Tranz Ltd & Ors v Strait Freight Ltd [Full Court (Chief Judge Colgan, Judges Shaw and Couch) CC 3/08, 8 April 2008] - Costs (PDF 18KB)
  • Otago Taxis Ltd v Strong [Judge Travis, CC 2/08, 4 April 2008] - Calculation of lost remuneration (PDF 18KB)
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March 2008

  • *Waikato DHB & ors v New Zealand PSA Inc [Full Court (Chief Judge Colgan, Judges Travis and Shaw), AC 6/08, 20 March 2008] - Ratification of settlements reached in collective bargaining (PDF 54KB)
  • Skinner & anor v Stayinfront Inc & ors [Judge Shaw, AC 5/08, 19 March 2008] - Application to strike out (PDF 33KB)
  • Crook v Sovereign Services Ltd [Judge Shaw, WC 6/08, 19 March 2008] - Costs (PDF 16KB)
  • New Zealand Air Line Pilots Association Inc v Air New Zealand Ltd [Judges Travis and Shaw, AC 4/08, 19 March 2008] - Remedies for claim under Holidays Act 2003 (PDF 55KB)
  • Monteith v Hakansson [Judge Shaw, WC 5/08, 18 March 2008] - Whether employee dismissed or resigned (PDF 27KB)
  • Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections v Tawhiwhirangi [Judge Shaw, WC 4A/08, 10 March 2008] - Costs (PDF 34KB)
  • Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections v Tawhiwhirangi [Judge Shaw, WC 4/08, 7 March 2008] - Remedies (PDF 23KB)
  • B.W. Murdoch Ltd v Horn, Labour Inspector [Judge Shaw, AC 3/08, 5 March 2008] - Entitlement to payment for public holidays (PDF 45KB)
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February 2008

  • Tauhore v Farmers Trading Company Ltd [Judge Shaw, WC 3/08, 25 February 2008] - Unjustified dismissal for serious misconduct (PDF 64KB)
  • New Zealand Amalgamated Engineering Printing & Manufacturing Union Inc v Air Nelson Ltd [Full Court (Chief Judge Colgan, Judges Travis and Couch), CC 1/08, 19 February 2008] - Costs (PDF 13KB)
  • New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association Inc v Air New Zealand Ltd [Judge Travis, AC 2/08, 19 February 2008] - Interpretation of collective agreement (PDF 91KB)
  • Yong t/a Yong & Co Chartered Accountants v Chin [Judge Couch, AC 1/08, 15 February 2008] - Application for rehearing (PDF 34KB)
  • Smith and Anor v Harvey [Judge Couch, WC 2/08, 14 February 2008] - Costs (PDF 16KB)
  • Progressive Meats Ltd v Meat & Related Trades Workers Union of Aotearoa Inc [Chief Judge Colgan, WC 1/08, 7 February 2008] - Whether employees entitled to relevant daily pay for public holiday (PDF 42KB)

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January (No Decisions)

January (No Decisions)

 

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