Self-proclaimed as the ‘best non-qualified legal bro in the biz’ and claiming to have never lost a case, Stephen Raniera Rangi Elliot was ordered to stop harassing Napier gym owner Kerri Vandenberg.
The High Court was told Ms Vandenberg obtained a Harrassment Act restraining order against Mr Elliot and his partner Kirsten Parcell after a falling out between the two women; Ms Parcell was previously employed at Ms Vandenberg’s gym. Mr Elliot acted as her advocate in a personal grievance claim.
Ms Vandenberg’s harassment claim arose from a pattern of some 24 communications over a fifteen month period starting June 2018: most being email messages from Mr Elliot to Ms Vandenberg, her lawyers and her business associates; some being social media posts by Ms Parcell. One email labelled her lawyer as ‘another greedy, lying lawyer.’ In another, Mr Elliot stated ‘the way I make money is through litigations.’ An email to Ms Vandenberg’s business associates described her as a ‘very nasty individual’ and ridiculed her physical appearance. A social media post incorrectly stated Ms Vandenberg was wanted by Napier police for questioning
Mr Elliot appealed the restraining order. A Human Rights Commission mediation had settled all claims, he said. The High Court was told this mediation arose from a complaint by Mr Elliot about circumstances in which he was refused membership of Ms Vandenberg’s gym and threatened with trespass should he return. Mediation led to a confidential settlement with Mr Elliot to receive an undisclosed amount. This settlement was described as being ‘an absolute bar to any further or other claim.’
This full and final settlement applied only to circumstances surrounding Mr Elliot’s gym membership, Justice Osborne ruled. The District Court ruling that Mr Elliot had harassed Ms Vandenberg stood, he said. The court was told she now lives in Australia.
Elliot v. Vandenberg – High Court (10.06.21)
21.097