Christ’s College has been awarded $10,000 in costs after successfully defending an employment claim brought by a former staff member.

The Employment Relations Authority ruled that Kay Robson-Thomas must pay the contribution towards the school’s legal costs following an earlier decision which found her claims could not proceed.

In December 2025, the Authority determined it did not have jurisdiction to hear Robson-Thomas’ personal grievance claims and also found her breach of contract claims were not established.

Christ’s College then applied for costs after the parties were unable to reach agreement.

In its decision, the Authority said the school had been completely successful in defending the case and had incurred significant expense as a result.

The Authority also considered two settlement offers made by the College before and after the investigation meeting.

It found the first offer had been made with enough time for Robson-Thomas to consider it and could have avoided the need for a full investigation.

“The amount offered was at a reasonable level and had it been accepted, would have avoided costs relating to preparation for the investigation meeting and of course the meeting itself,” the Authority said.

While Robson-Thomas argued she had taken a principled approach and believed her claims were valid, the Authority said rejecting the offers carried risk.

“Her decision to reject settlement offers came at her own risk,” the ruling said.

The Authority used a standard two day tariff of $8,000 as a starting point, then added a $2,000 uplift due to the rejected settlement offer.

It declined to award full legal costs, saying that would require exceptional conduct.

Robson-Thomas also submitted she was facing financial hardship, including debt and limited income, and argued costs should not be awarded.

However, the Authority said financial position was only one factor to consider and did not outweigh other considerations.

“The interests of both parties, and broader public policy considerations, must also be taken into account,” the Authority said.

The final order requires Robson-Thomas to pay Christ’s College Canterbury $10,000.