Christchurch Boys' High School. Photo / George Heard
Christchurch Boys' High School. Photo / George Heard
Christchurch Boys’ High School will have to pay a former employee $25,000 in compensation after a decision by the Employment Relations Authority.
The authority found that former teacher Suz Mowat was unjustifiably disadvantaged in one of four grievances that she alleged against the school’s board of trustees.
Mowathad sought at least $50,000 in compensation.
Susan Mowat claimed she was unfairly dismissed by CBHS. Photo / George Heard
A five-day investigation hearing before ERA member Lucia Vincent began in March 2025 at Christchurch.
Mowat told the hearing about the “deterioration” of her relationship with headmaster Nic Hill and how she was “blamed” for things she did not do – such as writing anonymous letters containing content critical of Hill.
Christchurch Boys' High School headmaster Nic Hill. Photo / George Heard
Mowat had also alleged the board had unjustifiably (constructively) dismissed her. The authority disagreed, finding in favour of the school.
CBHS board chair Emily Flaszynski said the board was pleased “this long-running employment matter” was over, and that outside of a “procedural issue” that resulted in compensation, “no other negative findings were made in relation to how Mrs Mowat was treated nor in relation to headmaster Nic Hill”.
“The board remains committed to the well-being of its staff and students and to fair and respectful employment practices.
