The Curious Case of Pinevale's Missing Payments – by Che Van Lawrence

Let's talk about Pinevale Farms Limited. No, not the dairy farm's charming pastoral landscapes or the frothy cappuccinos you might picture. No, today we're going to take a peek behind the curtain of this bucolic paradise to uncover a story that has more in common with a Dickensian drama than a serene pastoral scene. Enter Kimberly Price, a casual relief milker with an unwavering dedication to her craft. From January 2020 to October 2021, she toiled away at Pinevale Farms Limited, earning a 'piece rate' of $70 per milking session, with an 8% "pay as you go" holiday component1. All seemed well in this rural idyll, right? Not so much. Without a written employment agreement, Price was left at the mercy of her employer, Mark Hurst, the sole director and shareholder of Pinevale. Price claims that she carried out wider milking duties and general farm work, only to be underpaid and subjected to unreasonable treatment. In a twist of irony, Hurst countered these claims, insisting that he paid Price a cushy $700 per week, rent-free accommodation included. That's generous, if only he had any records to prove it. Unfortunately, Pinevale didn't keep records of wages and holidays, leading to a disagreement that even mediation couldn't resolve. But let's not get lost in the weeds of conflicting accounts and misunderstandings. The heart of the matter lies in Pinevale's reluctance to pay Price what she is owed. You see, when the dust settled, the Employment Relations Authority awarded Price $20,000 for humiliation and loss of dignity, and an estimated $25,000 for unpaid wages for additional farm work tasks and $800 for her final week's work. However, as you may have already guessed, the plot thickens. Pinevale Farms has reportedly claimed that they are in a "difficult financial situation," which is preventing them from paying Price. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find the specifics of Pinevale's financial situation in the available resources, but it certainly adds an intriguing layer to this saga.

2023-NZERA-299.pdf (employment.govt.nz), 9 June 2023, Member David Beck It's fascinating, isn't it? A dairy farm that apparently has the resources to operate, yet finds itself too strapped to pay its former employee the money she is owed. Pinevale's position is a bit like claiming you can't afford to pay your restaurant bill because you spent all your money on the main course and forgot about the dessert. It's a situation that's leaving a bitter taste in everyone's mouth. Sadly, this tale is more than just an odd anecdote. It's a stark reminder of the essential role of proper record-keeping, fair remuneration, and moral responsibility in the world of employment. And while we all understand that times can be tough, the bottom line is that workers should be paid for the work they do. No exceptions. No excuses. As we wait for the next chapter in this saga, let's hope for a swift resolution that upholds the dignity of hard work and the importance of fulfilling obligations. After all, isn't that what fair work practices are all about? [Disclaimer: This article is based on the limited information available and does not claim to provide a comprehensive account of the situation. Further details about Pinevale's "difficult financial situation" and the ongoing developments are not available at the time of writing.]