Hawera kindergarten worker wins $2k for drugs slur

It was alleged the kindergarten teacher arrived at work "stoned" on three occasions. Photo / Thinkstock

A former employee of a kindergarten in Hawera has been awarded $2000 in compensation after she was accused of showing up for work stoned.

Tanya Wallis worked as a teacher's assistant at Te Kohanga Reo o Ngatiki in Hawera from February to June 2014, the Employment Relations Authority said.

Ms Wallis claimed she was unjustifiably disadvantaged in her job, which led to her resignation. Te Kohanga denied Ms Wallis's claims.

The authority said a dispute arose when Te Kohanga's service manager, Angelique Ngeru, claimed she heard someone had been sent to a nearby house to get drugs using her name. Ms Ngeru said she initially thought it was a joke but soon realised her reputation was at risk.

Ms Ngeru decided to investigate the matter by visiting the house to find out who was involved. She concluded that person was related to Ms Wallis, the authority said.

Ms Ngeru alleged Ms Wallis arrived at work "stoned" on three occasions, and she sent her home.

Ms Wallis and another person called an emergency hui and denied all allegations against her. She did admit to previously smoking synthetic drugs outside of work. Ms Wallis claimed that she was being bullied in the workplace.

Authority member Paul Stapp said while he agreed Ms Ngeru had an entirely genuine opinion, a thorough investigation was not completed.

Ms Wallis was found to have a personal grievance and was awarded $2000 in compensation and a total $1321.56 in costs.