Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2014] NZERA Auckland 314
Hearing date 4 Jun 2014
Determination date 18 July 2014
Member R A Monaghan
Representation K Andersen ; A Russell
Parties Rosieur v Waitemata District Health Board
Summary COUNTERCLAIM - PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE - Whether accord and satisfaction - Whether settlement agreement (SA") entered into under duress - Agreement to resign during disciplinary process - Maori cultural adviser"
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;COUNTERCLAIM - PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE: Parties exchanged promises supported by consideration. Meeting of minds between parties that SA would resolve dispute between them. Parties reached accord and satisfaction. Applicant felt threatened and under pressure in general way during meeting. Nothing inherently improper in any threat or pressure inherent in general circumstances faced by applicant as respondent obliged to ensure fair procedure during disciplinary process. No allegation of additional threat or pressure. Threat or pressure did not arise from any impropriety by respondent. Respondent made efforts to conduct disciplinary process in culturally sensitive way. Applicant had full opportunity to consider position before raising possibility of resignation, nothing inappropriate in manner that matter discussed, and applicant had several days to consider and seek advice on text of SA before signature. Applicant affirmed SA by later signature and by accepting benefits under SA. SA not entered into under duress. Authority unable to hear applicant's claims.
Result Application granted ; Costs reserved
Main Category Practice & Procedure
Statutes ERA s103A;ERA s114;ERA s149
Cases Cited Pharmacy Care Systems Ltd v Attorney-General (2004) 2 NZCCLR 187
Number of Pages 6
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Auckland_314.pdf [pdf 190 KB]