Samson Hill Harvesting Limited, based in Gore, is part of the timber operations industry. It said the final straw was when Ward failed to torque the wheels on a trailer correctly, and this was seen as serious misconduct. "Samson Hill failed in almost every aspect," said ERA member Peter van Keulen. Van Keulen said Samson Hill did not consider any explanation. Samson Hill produced two written warnings that had Ward's signature on them – but Ward claims he never received nor signed them.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 15, 2021 23:48 UTC