'Untrustworthy, devious and devoid of a moral compass': Court hears of parking boss feud

Author: Al Williams,
Publish Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2026, 4:16pm

Former Wilson South Island boss Peter Turner in the Employment Court at Christchurch. Photo / Al Williams

The former South Island boss of New Zealand’s largest carpark management company has been described as “untrustworthy, devious and devoid of a moral compass” as a legal battle over his actions draws to a close.

Wilson Parking alleges Mainland Parking founder Peter Turner plotted his departure from the company and lined up future clients while still employed by it and subject to a restraint of trade.

The company is seeking Mainland’s lease agreements and profits, along with Turner’s shares in the business, salary payments and costs – claims that could potentially total $25 million.

A four-week hearing in the Employment Court at Christchurch is nearing an end, with Wilson’s legal team delivering its closing submissions today.

The hearing is expected to wrap up tomorrow.

Turner’s lawyers closed late last week, saying the 12-month restraint of trade clause was “unreasonable, unenforceable and void” when he entered into the contract.

Rachael Reed, KC, speaks for Wilson Parking in the Employment Court at Christchurch. Photo / Al Williams

Today, Wilson’s lawyer, Rachael Reed, KC, said Turner had misplaced trust the company had in him and consequently left the parking giant vulnerable.

From the inside, she said, Turner, along with another person who has name suppression, plotted against Wilson, shortening lease agreements with landlords, which allowed them to be terminated at will.

“He was untrustworthy and devious, devoid of a moral compass.”

Reed said Turner made dozens of changes to multiple lease agreements in the months leading up to his resignation.

Turner joined Wilson in 2013 and resigned in August 2023.

“He allowed himself to set up and had free rein to plunder,” Reed said.

“He could have waited a year.”

She said Turner had an “illegitimate” advantage and had admitted most of Wilson’s case.

“He has admitted he did it in restraint of trade. He has admitted to working on a competing business.”

Despite Turner’s concessions, his evidence was contrary, she said.

“He could not and did not provide rational responses.

“He has lied to this court on many occasions, he lies to landlords, Wilson, to this court, and, frankly, any time it serves his financial interests.”

Judge Helen Doyle is hearing the case in the Employment Court at Christchurch. Photo / Anna Heath

Reed said Turner “poisoned” others’ views of Wilson, in securing management agreements for Mainland.

“He leveraged the credit he gained from Wilson agreements to encourage Wilson and non-Wilson landlords.

“He used that credibility to build Mainland. This was not legitimate competition.”

Turner’s lawyers earlier questioned what restraint applied in light of the “cascading” provisions contained in his employment agreements over the years.

They said his reporting lines had changed over the years during subsequent promotions, and that his contractual authority remained limited.

Lawyer Dean Russ speaks for Peter Turner in the Employment Court at Christchurch on Friday. Photo / Al Williams

Reed said Turner had conceded he had a high-level role in the business and was a senior staffer.

“He accepted Wilson’s contacts and confidential information. He accepted it was important for Wilson to obtain tenure.”

Wilson Parking uncovered the business in November 2024 and sent Turner a letter the following month asking him to preserve evidence.

The case is being heard by Judge Helen Doyle.

Al Williams is an Open Justice reporter for the New Zealand Herald, based in Christchurch. He has worked in daily and community titles in New Zealand and overseas for the last 16 years. Most recently he was editor of the Hauraki-Coromandel Post, based in Whangamatā. He was previously deputy editor of the Cook Islands News.