Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2015] NZERA Auckland 114
Determination date 20 April 2015
Member TG Tetitaha
Representation R Alspach ; B Guest
Location Auckland
Parties Hokai v Sharemilk Ltd
Summary ARREARS OF WAGES – Applicant sought arrears of wages– Interpretation of bonus clause in employment agreement (“EA”) –Whether performance bonus discretionary
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –ARREARS OF WAGES: Clause required respondent to consider performance bonus and undertake regular performance appraisals. Performance bonus not required by clause. Respondent may not have considered paying bonus since specified year or undertaken regular performance appraisals. Further evidence required. Further hearing to decide whether respondent breached duty of good faith and disputed clause in EA by failing to consider bonuses after specified year.
Result Costs reserved
Main Category Arrears
Statutes ERA s4;ERA s134;ERA s135(5);ERA s160(3)
Cases Cited Lowe Walker Paeroa Ltd v Bennett [1998] 2 ERNZ 558 (CA);Secretary for Education v New Zealand Educational Institute Te Riu Roa [2002] 2 ERNZ 470 (EmpC);Vector Gas v Bay of Plenty Energy Ltd [2010] NZSC 5, [2010] 2 NZLR 444
Number of Pages 6
PDF File Link: 2015_NZERA_Auckland_114.pdf [pdf 153 KB]