Yujing Li against The Press

The Press published an article on June 23, 2025, headlined Compo after staying home for six months - $12k awarded following injury, bullying probe.

The article was based on an Employment Relations Authority ruling on a case Ms Li took against Synlait Milk Ltd.

Ms Li complained the story did not truly reflect what happened. It was reported out of context and was misleading. The headline was also inaccurate. She set out a number of points where she disputed what was said in the ERA ruling. This included her claim that she was working reduced hours and did not stay home for six months.

In response The Press said the article was based entirely on the ERA determination and it was normal journalistic practice to rely on information published by an official body like the ERA. It could not independently investigate the dispute further.

The most important discrepancy complained of was over whether she worked part-time over a six-month period where the headline said she stayed home. The ERA made no mention of part-time work and quoted a letter where Synlait had alleged that.

The Press said it would correct the story if she could provide evidence it was wrong but advised Mrs Li it was comfortable that the story was a fair summary of the determination.

The Media Council notes the story was based on the ERA ruling and was entitled to rely on its findings. There was no requirement for The Press to investigate the matter further although it offered to fix any discrepancies if its reporting of the ruling was inaccurate. There was a factual basis for the headline in that Synlait in a letter quoted by the ERA had stated that Ms Li had not ”worked a shift” for 6 months.

The Media Council did not believe the reporting breached any of it's Principles.

 
Decision: No grounds to proceed.