Wellington Dancers Challenge Employment Status, Court Orders Compliance

Seven dancers from the Wellington Calendar Girls club are pursuing a case in the Employment Court to clarify their employment status, following a series of events that have raised significant concerns regarding their rights and safety. The women are seeking a declaration that they are employees rather than independent contractors, which would entitle them to greater legal protections under the Employment Relations Act 2000.

The situation escalated in 2023 when the dancers attempted to negotiate collectively for better working conditions after receiving a contract they deemed “manipulative.” Subsequently, nineteen dancers were dismissed via a Facebook post, instructed to clear out their lockers and not return to work.

Legal Proceedings and Non-Publication Orders

In response to their circumstances, the seven women filed for a non-publication order to protect their identities due to fears that exposure could harm their employment, housing opportunities, and personal safety. A ruling from Chief Employment Court Judge Christina Inglis granted this order in May 2023, suppressing their identities to mitigate the stigma associated with their profession.

Judge Inglis emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I accorded urgency to the application given the nature of the alleged breaches and the concerns that had underpinned the making of the orders of non-publication in the first place.” An urgent hearing was scheduled for the week of the application, but it was cancelled after both parties agreed to respect the non-publication orders.

The judge confirmed, “The defendants confirm that they have removed all offending posts,” although no details were provided regarding the specific content of those posts.

Concerns About Safety and Reputations

During the proceedings, the women outlined several concerns regarding the potential repercussions of their identities being made public. They typically use stage names while working, avoiding the use of their real names to protect their privacy. However, their legal case has been presented using their actual names, leading to heightened anxiety about societal judgments and discrimination.

One dancer, who is a member of a church, expressed fear about the potential backlash from her congregation, while others have reported negative impacts on their housing applications. One woman was even dismissed from a government position upon it being disclosed that she had worked in the sex industry.

The women, all young, articulated their worries about how the stigma surrounding their profession could severely damage their reputations and affect their families. They also cited safety concerns regarding interactions with former clients and the public.

In a recent ruling, Judge Inglis issued orders preventing Calendar Girls from disclosing any identifying information about the women involved in the case. This directive applies to “all forms of communication, including oral, written, electronic, and any other medium.”

The substantive case is scheduled for a five-day hearing in February 2026, which will address the broader implications of their employment status and the treatment they have received.

Calendar Girls NZ Ltd operates clubs in various locations, including Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown, and the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for workers in the adult entertainment industry across New Zealand.