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Firm Ordered to Pay $24K After Employee's Tragic Death

11/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Employment Relations Authority ruled posthumously that Lily & Louis Limited must pay $24,287 in compensation and penalties for constructive dismissal and unpaid wages.
Makena Houston died in August amid a workplace dispute with Lily & Louis Limited, an Auckland public relations firm, highlighting the emotional toll on Houston and her family.
The ERA found Houston did not have a signed employment agreement with the firm and was unpaid for nine weeks.
The firm’s CEO Jacqui Ansin claimed Houston resigned voluntarily.
The ERA described Houston's conduct as misleading and dismissive, and Richardson expressed pride in her daughter's advocacy for justice.

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Story summary

The Employment Relations Authority ruled posthumously that Lily & Louis Limited must pay $24,287 in compensation and penalties for constructive dismissal and unpaid wages.
Makena Houston died in August amid a workplace dispute with Lily & Louis Limited, an Auckland public relations firm, highlighting the emotional toll on Houston and her family.
The ERA found Houston did not have a signed employment agreement with the firm and was unpaid for nine weeks.
The firm’s CEO Jacqui Ansin claimed Houston resigned voluntarily.
The ERA described Houston's conduct as misleading and dismissive, and Richardson expressed pride in her daughter's advocacy for justice.