| Restrictions | Includes non-publication order |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch |
| Reference No | [2016] NZERA Christchurch 68 |
| Hearing date | 24-May-16 |
| Determination date | 24 May 2016 |
| Member | David Appleton |
| Representation | M Henderson ; R Webster |
| Location | Christchurch |
| Parties | Accessman (Christchurch) Ltd v Barber |
| Summary | INJUNCTION - Applicant sought injunction restraining respondent from breaching non-competition clause |
| Abstract | AUTHORITY FOUND -INJUNCTION: Authority ordered non publication of applicant company’s customers. Non-competition clause was protecting respondent’s legitimate proprietary interest (pricing structures). Arguable that six month restraint period is necessary. Modification of time to three months likely. Geographical scope of clause not unreasonable. Serious issue to be tried. Alternative remedies not adequate. Balance of convenience favours respondent. Respondent has strong prospect establishing enforceability of non-competition clause. Applicant to cease working with respondent’s competitor. Application for injunctive relief granted. |
| Result | Application granted ; Costs reserved |
| Main Category | Injunction |
| Statutes | ERA s162 - ERA s164 - Illegal Contracts Act 1970 s8 |
| Cases Cited | Air New Zealand Ltd v Kerr [2013] NZEmpC 153, [2013] ERNZ 581;Allright v Canon New Zealand Ltd (2008) 6 NZELR 367 (EmpC);C E Elley Ltd v Burgess (1997) 7 TCLR 582 (HC);Fletcher Aluminium Ltd v O'Sullivan [2001] 2 NZLR 731 (CA);Gallagher Group Ltd v Walley [1999] 1 ERNZ 490 (CA);Hally Labels Ltd v Powell [2015] NZEmpC 92;Littlewoods Organisations Ltd v Harris [1977] 1 WLR 1472, [1978] 1 All ER 1026 (EWCA);Marshment v Sheppard Industries Ltd [2010] NZEmpC 98;Stacks/Taree Pty Ltd v Marshall (No 2) [2010] NSWSC 77;Transpacific Industries Group (NZ) Ltd v Harris [2013] NZEmpC 97, [2013] ERNZ 267;Vector Gas Ltd v Bay of Plenty Energy Ltd [2010] NZSC 5, [2010] 2 NZLR 444;Wellington Free Ambulance Service Inc v Adams [2010] NZEmpC 59, [2010] ERNZ 128 |
| Number of Pages | 26 |
| PDF File Link: | 2016_NZERA_Christchurch_68.pdf [pdf 322 KB] |