In a striking development, a former educator from Christchurch Boys' High School has been awarded $25,000 in compensation after enduring a prolonged conflict marked by allegations of bullying and false accusations. Susan Mowat, who dedicated 18 years to the institution, decided to resign in 2019 following two challenging years filled with disputes involving the school's headmaster, Nic Hill. She claims these issues significantly affected her mental health, professional reputation, and overall job performance.
The school and its governing board firmly denied Mowat's allegations, characterizing them as vexatious and untimely. In response to her claims of unfair dismissal and unjustifiable disadvantage, a five-day hearing took place in April 2025 under the Employment Relations Authority. The findings revealed that while the board failed to adequately address Mowat's concerns regarding being unjustly blamed for various issues, it concluded that her dismissal was not without justification.
Central to the disputes were a series of anonymous letters submitted to the board between 2017 and 2018, which were critical of Hill’s leadership. Hill asserted to the board that he believed Mowat authored these letters due to their prior conflicts and the style of writing, but an independent investigation could not definitively identify the author.
Mowat maintained that the board's handling of the situation rendered her employment untenable. Recently released findings by authority member Lucia Vincent indicated that Mowat experienced unjustifiable disadvantage when the board communicated its lack of intention to engage with her concerns, claiming they had already addressed those issues during the investigation into the letters.
Vincent criticized the board for adopting a 'shutdown approach,' failing to properly address Mowat's grievances, which left her feeling unheard and her worries diminished during a vulnerable period. "This approach unjustifiably disadvantaged Mrs. Mowat, who felt dismissed during a crucial time following the investigations. It did not align with the duty of good faith expected from an employer," Vincent noted.
However, the authority found no evidence to suggest that this approach was intended to coerce Mowat into resigning. Consequently, they ruled that the breach of duty, although present, was not severe enough to constitute an unjust dismissal. Furthermore, Mowat's claims related to comments from the board chair labeling her behavior as harassment, alleged alterations to meeting minutes, and concerns regarding mediation were not upheld.
Recognizing the personal grievance, the authority ultimately awarded Mowat $25,000 in compensation for the physical and mental distress she endured during her final years at Christchurch Boys'.
In response to the ruling, Mowat expressed relief that her situation had been acknowledged, stating that the determination confirmed her experience of unjustifiable disadvantage following the investigation into the anonymous letters.
Her legal representative, Kathryn Dalziel, emphasized that for over a year, Mowat had consistently raised valid concerns about repeated unfair treatment, misinterpretations of her actions, and the board’s failure to engage constructively with the issues she brought forward. The employment authority echoed this sentiment, highlighting the board's unfair and unreasonable conduct in addressing Mowat's concerns.
"This ruling officially recognizes the profound effects these events have had on her wellbeing, reputation, and her ability to thrive in a workplace she cherished and diligently served for nearly two decades. The outcome brings her some peace, knowing that the authority has validated her experiences and awarded compensation accordingly," Dalziel remarked.
Mowat hopes that this decision will prompt Christchurch Boys' High School—and educational institutions at large—to reflect seriously on their responsibilities as employers, especially during episodes of conflict or complaints, and to ensure they maintain thorough and accurate records. "No employee should endure what Susan faced simply for voicing concerns sincerely," she stated.
Meanwhile, board chair Emily Flaszynski expressed satisfaction with the authority's findings, noting that the long-standing employment matter has now reached a conclusion. She remarked that the authority identified only one procedural issue—the board's inadequate response to Mowat's concerns—yet expressed contentment that no additional negative findings were made regarding Mowat's treatment or Hill’s actions.
Looking ahead, Flaszynski affirmed the board's commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of both staff and students, as well as fostering fair and respectful employment practices. She also commended Hill for his dignity and leadership throughout the process.
