The Bay Wide Boys

Written By: - Date published: 1:10 am, March 10th, 2015 - 8 comments
Categories: uncategorized - Tags: , , , , ,

What happens when a not-too-bright, out of his depth bloke who has scrambled his way into the executive management team ends up working with a junior but well-qualified, smart, competent woman who can see right through him? Not for the first time, this is exactly what happened for NZCU Baywide Chief Operating Officer Grant Porter. His response was the same as the last time:  call in Human Resources for a targeted exercise in “right sizing”. The woman was smart enough to see what was happening so jumped before she was pushed. Even though the woman concerned had gone, an opportunity to really put the boot in appeared and Grant Porter couldn’t resist.

MZCU Baywide Chief Operations Officer

NZCU Baywide Chief Operations Officer Grant Porter

 

The whole story is long and complicated but does have a happy ending. The Human Rights Tribunal awarded the woman a record payout for what amounted to an egregious breach of privacy made all the worse by the apparent malice with which it was driven. The Tribunal decision provides a fascinating glimpse into the workings of a dysfunctional management team. Not considered in the decision but worth mentioning is that the management team was shaped over the long term by a Human Resources consultancy.

The very first act which kicked this issue off is probably – in the great big scheme of all things – not that bad but Grant Porter exacerbated it. Despite the personal difficulties created, the victim laid a complaint and followed through with the Human Rights Tribunal. In return, Grant Porter continued to make things worse. During the preliminary investigation by the Tribunal, he attempted to omit material facts. Having been caught out on that score, he then presented testimony at the hearing so lacking in credibility the Tribunal ended up giving him a humiliating public spanking.

After all that, Grant Porter is still Chief Operating Officer and, believe it or not, is currently in charge of Human Resources.

NZCU Baywide Chief Executive Gavin Earle

NZCU Baywide Chief Executive Gavin Earle

That nothing has apparently changed for Grant Porter is, most likely because the Tribunal decision was only a week ago and he’s probably been receiving air-cover from  NZCU Baywide Chief Executive Gavin Earle. At this stage, each are the only friend the other has.

Another scantily-qualified, not too bright bloke, Gavin Earle had a wide-open clear opportunity to prevent the situation from ever happening. The opportunity was presented at an meeting of the senior management team urgently called to discuss that Grant Porter’s victim had baked a cake.  At that meeting was Chief Financial Officer Peter McAuley. The discussion centered on obtaining a photo of the said cake which had been uploaded to the private section of the victims Facebook page. Mr McAuley immediately realised that obtaining the photo was likely to be a breach of privacy and mentioned this twice. Gavin Earle acknowledged that advice but opted instead to give the go ahead on obtaining the photo. From then on and, even as the situation worsened, Gavin Earle continued to support Grant Porter and the others involved, but maintained a peripheral presence.

In the lead up to the urgent meeting, Gavin Earle had been aware of the mounting tension between Grant Porter and his victim. Gavin Earle’s response to that was to join Grant Porter and, by example, encourage other members of the senior management team in a process of isolating the victim in the workplace. He also knew about the detailed plans to make the victim redundant via right sizing.

Gavin Earle is responsible for a separate and compounding breach of the victim’s privacy. He wrote an email to all staff back-grounding his version of why she resigned, leaving out important facts and portraying the victim in a poor light.

Gavin Earle also received a humiliating public spanking from the Tribunal in relation to the credibility of his testimony. The Tribunal made specific mention of the apology Gavin Earle read out to the victim during the hearing, noting that it ” . . . was delivered without any detectable note of sincerity . . . “

Its been a week since the Human Rights Tribunal decision.  If a worker had been responsible for this, it would be game over by now. But, as we know, when it comes to the accountability of management, shit does not roll up hill.  This means the longer Gavin Earle and Grant Porter remain in place, the longer workers are at risk of the same treatment. So far, no less than four workers have suffered a completely unnecessary but nevertheless thorough going over.

NZCU Baywide may have gambled on coming away from the Tribunal relatively unscathed. If so, that would indicate a lack of insight, just as apparently having no Plan B to shuffle its executive team to prevent exactly this sort of criticism indicates a lack of strategic thinking.  It also indicates a lack of concern about the staff who should be reassured before anyone else that Gavin Earle and Grant Porter are no longer a workplace hazard.

The on-going stress and extant human cost is bad enough, so too is the impact on the NZCU Bayside member’s bottom line. They are losing money.  As well as all the time taken up by the executive on this matter, the legal fees, and the award ordered by the Human Rights Tribunal, recent significant investment in branding and marketing will have taken a hit and may continue to lose value until this blows over. As one of New Zealand’s largest credit unions, the wider signals being sent out by NZCU Baywide are also serious. At a time when the government has – finally – relaxed some of the legislative restrictions on the credit union movement, the entire sector is being tarred by the same brush. NZCU Baywide was only granted its Non-Bank Deposit Taker (NBDT) licence by Treasury in January this year, and this situation is not a good look.

iain taylor chair NZCU Baywide

NZCU Baywide Chair of the Board of Directors Iain Taylor

News of yet another worker being done over by management won’t concern the National Ltd™ Cult of John Key one little bit, except for the fact that it was such a sloppy job someone got caught. If there are any questions asked in Cabinet they are more likely to be about how to haul-in the left-wing extremists obviously running rampant at the Human Rights Tribunal protecting some woman who dared to make a joke about her employer on Facebook.  Lobbyists from the foreign-owned banking cartel will be pleased, though, and busy whispering in the ears of various MPs.  Treasury might start “tut-tutting” if things drag on too much longer.  It may even take a closer look at where, in theory, the buck stops on this. That would be with the Chair of the Board of Directors and Bay Wide Boy, Iain Taylor.

8 comments on “The Bay Wide Boys ”

  1. Hateatea 1

    Sadly, I am totally unsurprised that none of the offending male persons has been made accountable for their actions by the governors of the Credit Union. Even a very public spanking by the Tribunal has not appeared to sheet home to them the seriousness of their actions nor do they seem to appreciate how they are seen by Jenny and Joe Public.

    It would be interesting to know whether there has been any negative impact on membership retention and recruitment. Perhaps they may be more proactive if their financial viability is affected?

  2. tc 2

    You’d be surprised how much of this goes on across most large organisations in NZ, I’ve seen many a good person done in for being simply that, good at what they do.

    Human Remains (HR) is populated with members of the club protecting the knuckle draggers that pass for management who mostly operate on the Peter Principle except in areas where genuine ability is mandatory as the club members get shown up.

  3. SHG 3

    In conclusion: Hawkes Bay

    • Jeeves 3.1

      Lol!!!
      Was in Hastings a couple of weeks ago and had an eery sense that this was a last bastion of something or other.

  4. Kevin 4

    Booze, lies and old school ties is the way it works here.

    Great climate though…

    • McFlock 4.1

      Ah – Dunedin with a bit more sun.

      Do you lot need a money-losing, budget blowing stadium? I know where one might be up for sale/demolition in a few years…

  5. Murray Rawshark 5

    Very common in Kiwi businesses and universities. There is often a concerted effort to suppress talent. The best way to be denied promotion is to be much better at your job than anyone else there.

  6. mickysavage 6

    The really sad things is that Credit Unions are collective almost (gasp) socialist organisations. Management must have missed the memo …

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • New Fast Track Projects advisory group named
    The coalition Government has today announced the expert advisory group who will provide independent recommendations to Ministers on projects to be included in the Fast Track Approvals Bill, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “Our Fast Track Approval process will make it easier and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Pacific and Gaza focus of UN talks
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters says his official talks with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York today focused on a shared commitment to partnering with the Pacific Islands region and a common concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.    “Small states in the Pacific rely on collective ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government honours Taranaki Maunga deal
    The Government is honouring commitments made to Taranaki iwi with the Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its first reading Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “This Bill addresses the commitment the Crown made to the eight iwi of Taranaki to negotiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Enhanced partnership to reduce agricultural emissions
    The Government and four further companies are together committing an additional $18 million towards AgriZeroNZ to boost New Zealand’s efforts to reduce agricultural emissions. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the strength of the New Zealand economy relies on us getting effective and affordable emission reduction solutions for New Zealand. “The ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 110km/h limit proposed for Kāpiti Expressway
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will begin consultation this month on raising speed limits for the Kāpiti Expressway to 110km/h. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and this proposal supports that outcome ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand Biosecurity Awards – Winners announced
    Two New Zealanders who’ve used their unique skills to help fight the exotic caulerpa seaweed are this year’s Biosecurity Awards Supreme Winners, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “Strong biosecurity is vital and underpins the whole New Zealand economy and our native flora and fauna. These awards celebrate all those in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Attendance action plan to lift student attendance rates
    The Government is taking action to address the truancy crisis and raise attendance by delivering the attendance action plan, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today.   New Zealand attendance rates are low by national and international standards. Regular attendance, defined as being in school over 90 per cent of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • World must act to halt Gaza catastrophe – Peters
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York today that an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza to halt the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.    “Palestinian civilians continue to bear the brunt of Israel’s military actions,” Mr Peters said in his speech to a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to United Nations General Assembly: 66th plenary meeting, 78th session
    Mr President,   The situation in Gaza is an utter catastrophe.   New Zealand condemns Hamas for its heinous terrorist attacks on 7 October and since, including its barbaric violations of women and children. All of us here must demand that Hamas release all remaining hostages immediately.   At the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government woolshed roadshow kicks off
    Today the Government Agriculture Ministers started their national woolshed roadshow, kicking off in the Wairarapa. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said it has been a tough time for farmers over the past few years. The sector has faced high domestic inflation rates, high interest rates, adverse weather events, and increasing farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM heads to Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines this week (April 14-20), along with a senior business delegation, signalling the Government’s commitment to deepen New Zealand’s international engagement, especially our relationships in South East Asia. “South East Asia is a region that is more crucial than ever to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Prime Minister launches Government Targets
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced further steps to get New Zealand back on track, launching nine ambitious Government Targets to help improve the lives of New Zealanders. “Our Government has a plan that is focused on three key promises we made to New Zealanders – to rebuild the economy, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Natural hydrogen resource should be free of Treaty claims entanglement
    Natural hydrogen could be a game-changing new source of energy for New Zealand but it is essential it is treated as a critical development that benefits all New Zealanders, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones is seeking to give regulatory certainty for those keen to develop natural, or geological, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government responds to unsustainable net migration
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand on stage at global Space Symposium
    Space Minister Judith Collins will speak at the Space Symposium in the United States next week, promoting New Zealand’s rapidly growing place in the sector as we work to rebuild the economy. “As one of the largest global space events, attended by more than 10,000 business and government representatives from ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-16T18:15:08+00:00