Appeal judges rebuff Radio NZ editor

The Court of Appeal has told Radio New Zealand and its estranged news editor, Lynne Snowdon, it does not want its resources tied up in possible tactical manoeuvring in their employment dispute.

The court has declined to give Ms Snowdon leave to appeal against an Employment Court decision that Radio New Zealand could ask her to turn up for a meeting with its lawyers, even though she could be sacked at it.

Ms Snowdon has been on sick leave on full pay - thought to be between $100,000 and $110,00 a year - for more than two years after becoming embroiled in an employment dispute with the public broadcaster in 2002.

The dispute erupted after a breakdown in her relationship with Sharon Crosbie, chief executive at the time.

Ms Snowdon had appealed to the Employment Court to issue a ruling that she did not have to attend the meeting with Radio NZ's lawyers, but Judge Coral Shaw said she saw no unfairness in what was being held.

The Court of Appeal yesterday upheld Judge Shaw's ruling, but said Radio NZ's actions in calling the meeting were "heavy-handed" given that the parties were involved in litigation.

But it also said Ms Snowdon could have acted in a more sensible way than going to court over the meeting, such as suggesting a less oppressive way in which to answer any Radio New Zealand questions.

"We have no desire to allow the resources of this court to become tied up in what we suspect may be tactical manoeuvring on both sides."

It said it was not persuaded Ms Snowdon would be prejudiced if an appeal was not heard, and there was no evidence for her to say that +if she was dismissed by the company she would not be able to continue her litigation.

"If Radio NZ is gearing up to dismiss her and does so, she will have the opportunity to test that dismissal [presumably in the Employment Court] and could apply for an interim order for reinstatement."

Ms Snowdon has personal grievance hearings against Radio NZ before the Employment Court which may not be heard for another year.

Last month she filed defamation proceedings against Radio NZ and Ms Crosbie, claiming damages of almost $1.5 million, with a separate $1.2 million claim against accounting firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

Justices William Young, John McGrath and Mark O'Regan awarded $3000 costs to Radio New Zealand.