Sacked Waiariki nurse awarded more money | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

A former nursing school director, sacked amid allegations she filed dishonest expense claims, has been awarded an additional $11,270 in costs.

Helen Manoharan headed the nursing programme at Waiariki Institute of Technology until she was dismissed last June after questions were raised over six expense claims she signed off.

The claims were filled out by the nursing school's operations manager, Ann Robinson, but related to expenses Ms Manoharan incurred on behalf of the school.

That meant Ms Manoharan was signing off her own expenses without authorisation, contrary to the institute's procedures.

Waiariki chief executive Pim Borren dismissed both women last June.

The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) last October found both women should have known correct procedures as senior managers.

But it found their dismissals were unjustified because Dr Borren acted ``unfairly and unreasonably'' by holding a disciplinary meeting while inquiries were ongoing.

In November the ERA ordered Dr Borren pay Ms Manoharan $10,500 compensation for unjustified dismissal. It also fined him $6000 for obstructing the dispute settlement process, by instructing staff not to assist Ms Manoharan during its investigation.

In a costs determination released today (Wed), chief authority member Alastair Dumbleton ordered Dr Borren pay Ms Manoharan a further $4500 costs towards the obstruction hearing and $5500 costs towards the dismissal hearing.

Disbursements of $1270 were also awarded.

-APNZ