The contractor responsible for a botched roading job, which caused damage to dozens of vehicles, has distanced itself from an employee who took to social media to call those upset about the road's condition whiners.
The New Zealand Transport Agency fielded more than 70 calls about damage to vehicles after contractor Downer performed a substandard job on roadworks on Southern Motorway last month.
The agency promised to "make good'' on the damage and said the repairs would be covered by Downer's insurance.
The damage to vehicles and news the agency would not cover damaged windscreens caused an outpouring of anger on social media.
The disparaging comments about the state of the roadworks attracted the attention of Timoci Tawaketini, who identified himself as a design engineer for the contractor.
"Whine whine whine whine whine,'' Mr Tawaketini wrote on Facebook to those discussing the poor workmanship of the repairs.
One social media user responded to the comment, calling the contractors "useless buggers'' and suggesting "how about doing your job properly for once''.
Mr Tawaketini responded: "I'll say it one more time ...... whine whine whine whine whine''.
He finished by telling those upset by damage to their vehicles that if they "don't like the road condition then ride a bike''.
A Downer spokeswoman told the Otago Daily Times Mr Tawaketini "does not represent Downer and any comments made on Facebook are his own views''.
Downer declined to comment further on the matter, including on whether any action had been taken, she said.
The comment had been removed from Facebook.
The company said in a statement the substandard roadworks were now fixed and Downer was working with the insurers of those affected.
"The product applied to the road was affected by warm weather conditions,'' the statement said.
"Downer has completed the required remedial work.
"Downer continues to work with the NZTA and the insurance companies of those affected to understand the full scope of the issue.
"In most cases, windscreen damage is covered by personal vehicle insurance and Downer will work with the insurers of those affected.''
Downer did not provide any comment about what assistance was available to those without insurance.
Mr Tawaketini did not respond to attempts by the ODT to contact him.
Despite the NZTA saying it would "make good'' on the damaged vehicles, it later decided cover would only extend to body and tyre damage, with motorists having to pick up the cost for any windscreen damage.
Last week, the agency said it would not revisit the policy, which mirrored the "overall approach countrywide''.
