A blind woman who was kicked out of an accommodation unit because she had a guide dog has been awarded $8000 compensation.
Laura Eitjes, 36, from Tauranga, has won a landmark out-of-court settlement for the emotional stress she experienced two years ago while on holiday with a friend and her guide dog, Rua, the Bay of Plenty Times reported.
The name of the business, the town and the type of accommodation can not be named under the terms of the settlement.
Ms Eitjes stayed one night at the place but was forced to leave the second night because of Rua.
The owners, a husband and wife couple, would not let Rua back into the lodgings the second night, even though Ms Eitjes explained to the couple that Rua was a guide dog.
The wife stood her ground and would not listen to reason, Ms Eitjes said.
"I tried to explain to her that Rua was a guide dog and guide dogs had certain rights.
"But I was cut off at every attempt, and she flatly refused to let Rua back in."
Ms Eitjes, her friend and Rua went to stay somewhere else for the rest of their trip.
S he complained to the Human Rights Commission about the incident and the commission offered mediation to the two parties.
But the owners decided to take the case to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
Office of Human Rights Proceedings director Robert Hesketh said it was the first time proceedings had ever been issued on behalf of a blind person being refused access to a service because of their guide dog.
After a drawn-out legal battle, the owners eventually instructed a lawyer and an out-of-court settlement saw Ms Eitjes getting an unreserved apology and $8000 compensation.
She has donated $5000 of the compensation to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's guide dog services.
