ERA Hearing Between Former Rangiora High Principal and School Commissioner Starts Today

The following is a statement regarding the commencement today in Christchurch, of the Employment Relations Authority hearing between the Rangiora High School commissioner and Peggy Burrows.

It is now 19 months since a commissioner was installed at Rangiora High School and more than six months since Mrs Peggy Burrows was dismissed as the Rangiora High School Principal, a role she had held for 13 years.

“I have never wavered in my determination to challenge this decision and finally the opportunity to do so has arrived. I am very grateful to everyone who has continued to support me and my family over what has been an exceptionally trying and stressful time,” says Peggy Burrows. 

 A number of Burrows' supporters will attend the hearing which is open to the public.  The hearing has been set down for two weeks and will be heard at the offices of Taylor Shaw at 53 Victoria Street.

Peggy Burrows will be represented by respected Auckland employment lawyer Richard Harrison who also represented another Christchurch Principal, Prue Taylor in November 2012 after she was sacked but then reinstated the following year after winning her case.

 Mrs Burrows is challenging her dismissal as unjustified and seeking reinstatement.  She is scheduled to give evidence on Tuesday, 20 September 2016, a week after the hearing starts.

 The numbers adding to an online petition calling for the reinstatement of Peggy Burrows at Rangiora High, continue to grow with the organisers saying more than 1960 people have now signed it at change.org

We are advised that media will need to seek leave of the authority to shoot / record pictures / audio from the hearing.

No interviews or additional information can be given at this stage of the process.