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The University of Auckland is appealing the findings of the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) after sacked lecturer Paul Buchanan was awarded $66,000 in damages and lost income.
University spokesman Bill Williams said the institution was yet to decide if it was appealing the case and was still "considering its options".
But ERA twice confirmed to nzherald.co.nz that appeal papers had been filed by the university.
The Association of University Staff has filed an appeal on behalf of Dr Buchanan to have him re-instated.
The union's deputy secretary, Marty Braithwaite, said the university had previously indicated that it would also appeal but he had not received any papers to that effect.
"If that's the case then we haven't been issued with papers," Mr Braithwaite said.
Dr Buchanan was sacked after sending an abusive email to a student, denying her an extension.
Dr Buchanan took his case to the authority, claiming he had been unfairly dismissed.
The authority ruled in his favour and has ordered the university to pay $66,000 in damages and lost income.
But the authority did not find that Dr Buchanan should be reinstated. It ruled that the relationship between Dr Buchanan and the university had been damaged.
- NZHERALD STAFF
