SPCA manager sacked in 'sham' review, ERA told

Bob Kerridge. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A former SPCA general manager has taken his former employer to the Employment Relations Authority after a falling out with "Mr SPCA" Bob Kerridge.

David Lloyd-Barker's case is being heard today in Auckland.

Mr Lloyd-Barker has made a number of allegations against Mr Kerridge but they have been suppressed.

Mr Kerridge stood down as Auckland SPCA CEO in September to begin a new role as SPCA executive director.

Mr Lloyd-Barker claims he was made redundant during a "sham" review of the SPCA by SPCA Auckland chief executive Garth Halliday.

Mr Halliday has been giving evidence and confirmed to Mr Lloyd-Barker's lawyer, Mark Ryan, that Mr Kerridge was known as "Mr SPCA".

Mr Halliday confirmed that during the review Mr Lloyd-Barker was the only person to be made redundant.

Mr Ryan asked if the review was "an opportunity to get rid of a troublesome employee, whether appropriate or not."

Mr Halliday responded that that was "absolute rubbish".

Mr Halliday was also asked if he had a conflict of interest given Mr Kerridge's trusts influenced Mr Halliday's remuneration.

Mr Halliday said: "I find that very insulting sir". He continued: "It's outrageous that you can say that to me in your profession."

Mr Ryan was then stopped from asking Mr Halliday what his salary package was.

Previously, Mr Halliday told the Authority that Mr Lloyd-Barker could have taken another position within the organisation.

However Mr Halliday confirmed the new position would mean a $40,000 pay cut per annum of Mr Lloyd-Barker's $92,000 salary.

Mr Halliday also said Mr Lloyd-Barker did not have the appropriate qualifications.

He confirmed the job was never formally offered to Mr Lloyd-Barker because Mr Lloyd-Barker showed no interest in the position.

Chairman of the SPCA board, Gordon Trainer, has also given evidence, and said he believes at the time of Mr Lloyd-Barker's employment, he conducted a disciplinary hearing because he believed Mr Lloyd-Barker had released information to the NZ Herald.

He also said that during the hearing Mr Lloyd Barker leaned across the table and threatened him.

Mr Trainer said IT staff at the SPCA ran a check on outgoing email from Mr Lloyd-Barker's computer and found no emails were sent to the NZ Herald.

But following questioning of Mr Lloyd-Barker, and his refusal to answer questions, "on the balance of probability I thought he did release the information".

However, today he has confirmed to the Authority that he was wrong.

Mr Lloyd-Barker is seeking damages and loss of income.

He was originally seeking reinstatement but has now withdrawn that.

The hearing continues.