Vinod Chand, a psychiatric nurse at Te Whatu Ora’s Mason Clinic in Pt Chevalier since 2008, was dismissed for referring to a colleague as “that Māori c***” in a Facebook group chat with 17 other coworkers.
Chand claimed the insult was a typo, meant to say “CUUTE,” referring to a clinic hosting COVID-19 patients. After the comment was reported by a group member to the targeted colleague, Ms. D, it led to workplace division, with some feeling unsafe and the subject of the comment experiencing mental health impacts.
Chand was investigated, and an Auckland lawyer contracted by Te Whatu Ora found it unlikely the offensive term was a typo. Despite arguments that the chat was private and outside work hours, Te Whatu Ora terminated Chand’s employment for serious misconduct.
Chand’s claim for reinstatement was considered by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), which found he had an arguable case but ruled against reinstatement due to the division and emotional harm caused by his comments.
The ERA concluded that reinstatement was not in the best interest of patients, despite Chand’s claim being set for a substantive hearing at a later date.
Commenting to state-subsidised media outlet NZ Herald, a spokesperson for Te Whatu Ora said they placed high importance on a ‘safe and welcoming workplace for all New Zealanders.’
Wasn’t racial because it wasn’t referring to a race
Left in the wilderness with CUUTE
“Someone posted words on a group chat. I feel unsafe 😱”
Where do they find these people