Dyson to give her side of Rankin dressing-down

By FRANCESCA MOLD

Associate Social Services and Employment Minister Ruth Dyson will give evidence today about her dealings with former welfare chief Christine Rankin.

Mrs Rankin's lawsuit against her employer, State Services Commissioner Michael Wintringham, for reinstatement as Work and Income chief executive and $818,000 in damages enters its third and last week of hearings in Wellington today.

Mrs Rankin spent her final day in the job last Thursday and has told the Employment Court that she has had no job offers since she learned last year that Mr Wintringham would not recommend her for reappointment.

During her evidence, Mrs Rankin described a meeting with Social Services Minister Steve Maharey that Ms Dyson also attended.

She said the pair criticised her appearance and demanded she put a stop to negative media coverage of Winz.

Mrs Rankin claimed she told Mr Maharey and Ms Dyson that she did not see why she should have to change her appearance and referred to criticism Prime Minister Helen Clark had suffered over her dress sense.

She said Ms Dyson had responded by saying that the Prime Minister had listened to criticism and had made changes. Ms Dyson had also said that Helen Clark was a better person as a result, Mrs Rankin said.

She told the court that she was appalled by the ministers' behaviour and had felt intimidated and victimised.

"I found it sexist and was shocked by their attitude that performance was secondary to public opinion."

Ms Dyson will give her version of events before Employment Court Judge Tom Goddard hears summing up from counsel for Mrs Rankin and Mr Wintringham.