A private social media post leaked to 1News is lifting the curtain on the communications between online grocer Supie and its former staff.
The development comes after the online grocer was put into voluntary administration on Monday, citing "cash flow difficulties" after a key investor pulled funding.
The confidential note, which was posted to a private Facebook group on behalf of Supie founder Sarah Balle, confirms the company had an "underwrite investor" for funding and, until Friday last week, was expecting a "large injection of cash".
"As soon as I learned that employees may not be full paid, there were no further hours worked by the team," Balle said.
The post also notes: "While the business had cash, stock and other assets which would normally cover the fortnightly payroll, my understanding is that administrators needed to navigate a legal process as to whether these assets are available to creditors, including employees who would typically have preferential status.
"I'm personally not across the detail on the ultimate decision so I can't comment further.
"I completely understand your anger and frustration. If it were up to me, employees would absolutely be paid."
Later in the post, it also thanks the employees for their efforts at the company.
"The hours you worked, the passion you had, were all something much more important than ourselves, and I admire all for the efforts you gave Supie.
"While we were ultimately unsuccessful, I'm not just grateful for your hard work, but incredibly proud of what each of you achieved, and what we achieved together as a team."
Former employee speaks out
Speaking on the surprise termination this week, former Supie chilled/frozen assistant manager Anthony Bunce has called the handling of the situation both "heartless and gutless".
While he wouldn't comment on communications which were later leaked by a separate former employee, he said the founder was "sort of the last person we want to hear from".
Bunce also said he has "seen a few comments from directors" which have "added fuel to the fire".
Anthony Bunce says his immediate worry is the bills due this week after the online grocer went into voluntary administration on Monday. (Source: 1News)
"Comments made like, that there's people worse off than us at the moment, just doesn't sit well with us."
Bunce said he and his former colleagues "don't want people to speak" on their behalf, because they "don't understand our situation like we do".
He said the founder had mentioned she is thankful for the support people had given them, but added: "We don't need her to comment for us, she's been a part of none of that."
A light at the end of the tunnel?
Bunce said the last few days had been "super hard", but the "outpour of love from the community" has kept him and his former colleagues going.
"A lot of people have gone for interviews already, already few people have started working. WINZ has set up a direct line for us, and there's a possibility of a drop-in centre for us Supie workers to get things sorted ASAP."
The goal now for the former employees, according to Bunce, is "getting work".
"The focus is on us getting our bills sorted, supporting each other, trying to take the focus off what's happened, and we're trying to move forward, and get ahead."
Have you been impacted by the Supie closure? Get in touch by emailing Katie.Bradford@tvnz.co.nz.
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