Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2017] NZERA Auckland 136
Determination date 03 May 2017
Member R Arthur
Representation L Chandler ; M Hammond
Location Auckland
Parties Sherborne v Nutech Security Ltd
Summary PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE - Applicant sought leave to appear by telephone or audio visual link - Whether to dismiss application without investigation meeting
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE: Cases where applicant excused physical attendance at investigation meeting rare. Current facts distinguished from past cases. Nature of unjustified dismissal claim meant likely to be significant dispute in evidence. Limitations of telephone and audio-visual link may impact Authority’s powers to fully examine party and other party’s ability to cross-examine. Respondent opposed applicant’s request. Estimated travel cost of applicant attending investigation meeting not sufficient reason to excuse physical attendance. No basis to have respondent pay applicant’s travel costs. Needed to be factor beyond applicant’s control to warrant remote attendance. Application for leave to appear by telephone or audio visual link dismissed. Applicant resolutely refused to physically attend investigation meeting. Not necessary or reasonable to set investigation meeting date. Application dismissed.
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Practice & Procedure
Statutes Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010 s5 ; Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010 s7 ; ERA s3 ; ERA s141 ; ERA s157 ; ERA s160 ; ERA s160(2) ; ERA s160(2A) ; ERA s166(2) ; ERA s173(2) ; ERA s173(5) ; ERA s174D ; ERA s174E ; ERA s179 ; ERA s179(a) ; Evidence Act 2006 s168 ; Evidence Act 2006 s170 ; Evidence Act 2006 s172 ; Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 s65 ; Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 s79 ; ERA Second Schedule cl7
Cases Cited Cardno v NCF International Ltd [2014] NZERA Wellington 10;Chaney v Surreal Ltd [2013] NZERA Christchurch 250;Dillon v Logical Systems Ltd t/a Yoobee [2014] NZERA Christchurch 188;H v A Ltd [2014] NZEmpC 92, [2014] ERNZ 38;Ithaca (Custodians) Ltd v Perry Corporation (2002) 16 PRNZ 773 (HC);Johnston v Smith t/a Rosa Giardino Montessori Nursery School [2015] NZERA Christchurch 104;Nguyen v Ta t/a Little Saigon Restaurant [2014] NZERA Christchurch 173;Ra Ora Stud Ltd v Colqhoun (1997) 11 PRNZ 353 (HC);Yang v Chen HC Auckland CIV-2007-404-1751, 13 May 2010
Number of Pages 12
PDF File Link: 2017_NZERA_Auckland_136.pdf [pdf 201 KB]