PHOTO: SUPPLIEDAn overworked and underpaid cook at a Frankton noodle restaurant has been awarded an $86,000 payout from his employer. Mr Zhang soon found himself usually working 12 hours a day, and often seven days a week. Mr Zhang finally quit the following April after becoming increasingly stressed by the situation. The complainant’s records showed he had worked excessive hours, and Mr van Keulen accepted the "constant underpayment" had caused stress that had increased over time. He ordered Mr Noodles to pay Mr Zhang $62,831 for wage arrears, to return the illegal $3730 payment, and pay him $18,000 compensation and $2250 in costs.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 23, 2026 02:56 UTC