The whistleblower who exposed a Dunedin-based security firm for helping staff "cheat" on its NZQA exams has been fired.
In February, Lydia Maoate, an Auckland-based security guard for Allied Security for 18 months, went to the media after a company manager emailed employees suggested answers for a level 2 National Security qualification.
The Unite union alleges the company was providing answers to its employees so they could pass the NZQA qualifications and claim taxpayer-funded subsidies.
A month-long investigation by the Electrotechnology Industry Training Organisation, which oversees training and assessment for the security industry, concluded that the incident was an isolated one.
However, the union rejects the findings as an industry cover-up.
In a further twist to the saga Ms Maoate was dismissed from her position this week.
A letter dated June 30, from Allied Security managing-director Damian Black, obtained by the Otago Daily Times, says "termination is the appropriate outcome".
"We no longer have trust and confidence in Lydia Moate [sic] as an employee of Allied Security."
Ms Maoate declined to speak to the ODT but, on her behalf, Unite Security organiser Barry Sutherland said the company's decision was "vengeful".
"This is crude, cowardly behaviour by a bully-boy employer against an employee with the courage to stand up against a fraud being perpetuated against New Zealand taxpayers."
The union plans to file a personal grievance against the company for unjustified dismissal on behalf of Ms Maoate.
Mr Black declined to comment until the matter was resolved.
