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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →A former worker identified in published decisions as VLN alleges unpaid wages, personal grievances and breaches of minimum employment standards in a proceeding involving Kim and Elizabeth Dotcom and Contractors Only Ltd. The allegations have not been decided: Open Justice reported on 1 October 2026 that the substantive hearing had not yet taken place.
Who is the worker identified as VLN?
Open Justice reports that the worker’s name is suppressed in published decisions and that the person is identified as VLN. The report describes VLN as a former “homeworker” who provided services at Kim and Elizabeth Dotcom’s properties. Open Justice report
What work and parties does the proceeding involve?
According to the report, Contractors Only Ltd engaged VLN from late January through late March 2026. It also says Elizabeth Dotcom is the company’s only director listed on the Companies Office register. Open Justice report
What has VLN alleged?
In April 2026, VLN applied to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) for a determination that they were an employee of Kim and Elizabeth Dotcom. VLN said that, if that status were established, the relationship involved personal grievances, unpaid wages and breaches of minimum statutory requirements. Alternatively, if the ERA found VLN was an employee of Contractors Only Ltd, VLN sought orders under the Employment Relations Act 2000 against the company’s director, Elizabeth Dotcom. These are claims made by VLN, not findings by the ERA or Employment Court. Open Justice report Open Justice report
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Why was the case transferred to the Employment Court?
VLN urgently asked for the proceeding to be transferred from the ERA to the Employment Court, citing a risk of disadvantage if Kim Dotcom left New Zealand after losing the extradition case he was then fighting. ERA member Philip Cheyne granted the request. He said: “There is a public interest in resolving at least … part of VLN’s problem without it being frustrated by the departure from New Zealand of Mr Dotcom.” Open Justice report
Has the court decided whether the allegations are true?
No substantive hearing had taken place as of Open Justice’s report on 1 October 2026. The report therefore does not establish that VLN was an employee of the couple or the company, or that wages were unpaid or employment standards breached. The procedural transfer should not be confused with a ruling on those underlying issues. Open Justice report
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What costs were ordered?
Open Justice reported that the Dotcoms and Contractors Only Ltd were ordered to pay VLN $2,250 in costs and $225 in expenses by 23 October 2026. Those are reported case-specific costs and expenses, not compensation or a decision on the merits of VLN’s claims. Open Justice report
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