Media Release on Human Rights Review Tribunal Decision

For immediate release

Graham Peet, director of Spit Roast Catering Company (SRCC), welcomes the decision made by the Human Rights Review Tribunal on September 28 that he acted fully within his legal rights to ask a casual employee to cover her tattoo with a longer sleeved uniform, which was the same as the one originally issued to her.

The Tribunal has correctly ruled the plaintiff “was not a victim of discrimination on any of the prohibited grounds of discrimination when she was asked to cover her moko” while representing the company at a corporate function.

The Tribunal also states the allegation that what happened was an incident of indirect discrimination “has not been established on the evidence”.

As Mr Peet explained to the Tribunal, he directed his operations manager to ask Mrs Haupini if she would mind wearing a longer-sleeved company uniform to the function in question, instead of a short-sleeved uniform.

This was only a request and not an order, as Mr Peet made plain in his evidence. Mrs Haupini did not object, nor lodge a complaint, with the company at any stage. Two other staff members were already wearing the longer-sleeved uniform.

This case has nothing to do with respect for anyone’s culture, and everything to do with a company wanting to be as professional as possible at all times, especially in a public-facing role.

Mr Peet says: “We knew from day one we had done nothing wrong, and I welcome the news that I have been vindicated. We have been frustrated that Mrs Haupini chose to take her complaint to the Human Rights Commission before advising us she was upset.

“We were staggered the director of Human Rights Proceedings decided to commit a considerable sum of taxpayers’ money to totally fund Mrs Haupini’s case including her demands for a lump sum $10,000 payment for hurt and humiliation.

“We feel the judgment brings a commonsense approach to the reasonable concerns a company has in managing the appearance of its staff when working in a frontline role.”

For more information, contact Graham Peet on 0800 762 787 or email graham@srcc.co.nz.

Media Release

Owner Graham Peet with Clyde Rogers from ATEED and Tamara Cross from Ogilvy

Graham Peet and the Spit Roast Catering Company are thrilled to announce they’ve officially been pronounced Match Fit for the Rugby World Cup (RWC).

A wee while ago Graham entered a promotion to show just how prepared he and his companies are for the biggest sporting event in New Zealand’s history.

Spit Roast Catering Company and The Fingerfood Catering Company – Graham’s key brands – won the “RWC 2011 Match Ready” competition, which is something he’s truly proud of.

Auckland’s RWC 2011* has jumped right in behind, making them part of a select group of businesses around the super-city counting down to the huge international showcase. 

People who know Graham and his brands will already be aware they are the ORIGINAL and BIGGEST Spit Roast Caterers in the country. Their energy to meet customers’ needs is contagious and as strong as the day they began doing business. They are also the only Spit Roast Caterer to stand by their product through the Unconditional Compliment Guarantee.

Everybody in New Zealand wants the Rugby World Cup to be a roaring success, and Graham’s team at Spit Roast Catering Company is no different.

Graham says his victory in this competition is testament to the fact he’s got all bases covered and is more than willing to go the extra mile to satisfy customers. He’s proud of the variety and flexibility of the packages the company offers, and that it can also cater to vegetarians, vegans, and the gluten-free market.

“We are the original Spit Roast Catering Company,” Graham says. “Others come and go but they haven’t the proven systems, experience and expertise. One of our strengths is our famous can-do attitude. We push that the whole time – we will do whatever we have to to meet our customers’ expectations.

“We’ve traveled on barges to cater events on remote islands; we’ve been in cranes riding up to uncompleted buildings, delivered food up 30 flights of stairs and in the middle of forests. We serve 200,000 people per year and have catered functions for 40,000 people. Imitators come along, but they can’t do what we do. And that’s a fact.”

Part of the prize is $10,000 worth of marketing support from advertising giant Ogilvy New Zealand, which will develop a marketing plan to help Graham’s team achieve its business goals, with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development also providing support. 

And on the topic of what Spit Roast Catering Company does best, there are a couple of packages it offers we thought you should know about – the “World Cup Warm Up Package”, and “The Kiwi Experience”.  

The first is cost-effective and full of the tasty goodness for which Spit Roast Caterinc Company is famous, and as usual it includes everything you need, from plastic plates and napkins to knives and forks. For $22 per guest (including GST) you get more food than you can poke a plastic fork at, and a variety of food including a selection meats, hot veges, bread and mashed potato. The Kiwi Experience Package is just as appetising so check it out on the Spit Roast Catering Company website now.

Graham began his companies 14 years ago and now has bases in Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. He has a few more grey hairs than when he started but the huge number of customers who have grown into friends has more than made it all worthwhile. In that time he’s become the trusted industry leader, specialising in all types of functions, regardless of their size (we can cater for 15 to 5000 people).

The drive and enthusiasm to provide the best event possible for the customer – no matter their unique needs or demands – has resulted in people raving about his high quality food and catering supplies for years. And there is now even a new party high division to supply your needs in this area.

Don’t forget – Spit Roast Catering Company is constantly being imitated by competitors – so make sure you visit www.srcc.co.nz or phone 0800 762 787 to speak to the team. Others will come and go; Graham’s team stands the test of time. And thanks for your time!