Editor's note:

Leo Coldstream Hylton-Slater, who initially raised the matter and since has been investigating and analysing this issue in more detail, has sent a detailed 4-page document of his findings so far. His findings suggest that some of the initial allegations were incorrect, but that some were fair comment. As well as reading all the comments on this page below, which are in chronological order of their being written (on both "sides" of the issue), you should read Leo's document here »
The Nelson Mail newspaper also investigated the matter following its raising on this website, and their reporter wrote this article ».
The article contained this response from Birdhurst: 'However, the company said it had nothing to hide. At Birdhurst, Golden Bay Fruits employs more than 100 RSE workers, mostly from Vanuatu. Golden Bay Fruits managing director Heath Wilkins said: "People can make allegations or complaints as they see fit, but there needs to be stuff to back it up. We have got nothing to hide."'

Concern about treatment of Vanuatu seasonal workers

March 13th, 2010
By David Armstrong

Concern is mounting over the alleged exploitation of some of the seasonal workers from Vanuatu by Motueka employers and those providing accommodation for them.

There are believed to be about 130 to 140 Vanuatuans in the Motueka area, employed on orchards, and it is alleged that nearly all are in poor accommodation. For many, hot water is not available. Pay after accommodation expenses for some is not enough to live on healthily.

An email has been circulating among worried residents written by a Motueka resident named Leo, setting out his allegations regarding overpriced workers' accommodation. Leo has asked that his letter is not published, prefering instead that the issue can be addressed through polite negotiation rather than confrontation. However, it does give details of some raw deals that are known of.

One resident, Renee Alleyne, has posted her concerns on the Motueka Online Discussion Forum (click this link to see what she wrote). She gave an example from Leo's letter of someone allegedly accomodating 18 Vanuatuans in a 4-bedroomed house, and charging $115 each for the privilege. The house has two toilets and three showers, and is called a "backpackers".

It is alleged that after repaying $50 for their airfare, and sending some money home (and paying large amounts in bank fees to do this), they have very little left for food. Leo writes that with as little as $60 to $80 in the hand per week to spend on their own food, some Vanuatuans are living on white bread, margarine, dog-roll, chicken necks, and "spotties" fished from off the Talley's wharf.

Renee points out that not all accommodation providers are alleged to be exploiting workers. Some, including the Haywoods and the Inglis to name two, are providing fair deals.

Renee is offering to collect and distribute any surplus food from residents who have a garden, and distribute it to those Vanuatuans who could benefit by it. (See the response to her appeal in this later article)

Editor's note:
[Posted 16 March 2010]
This issue has since advanced in several steps. To see the latest information, click here »

Comment by an employee of Birdhurst, who asked not to be named:
[Posted 23 March 2010]
I think it is very inapproriate that personal details and addresses to be given out by this site, when this corrospondance should have been given to the company involved first. A lot of the things written are incorrect and they are then corrected.

It's a big difference in a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home, to a six bedroom 3 bathroom home. I can personally say I have visited several accomodation blocks, including the one commented on by Leo. It is a 6 bedroom 3 bathroom/toilet home that is checked by the Labour department before housing Staff. It is a modern large home, furnished with new furniture, beds and bedding etc. Bedding, towels, toilet paper, phone, TV, cleaning and maintence are all provided in their rent. Most of us would love to live in this home.

The Nevans are provided with money each week for food, they do their own shopping and choose what they want to eat. They have recently had cooking lessons by a staff member's wife in affordable, nutritious island cooking, working as teams for cooking is encouraged.

Those working outside are taken to a local retailer to get work boots at a discounted rate, along with correct socks to help prevent blisters!!! Clothing is keep from season to season for them. Last winter 2 apple bins full of clothing was stored for them, for their return this year. Staff members donate their own clothing to them, and we would hate to think of them being cold!!! Staff treat these workers like family and it is with great distress that I am reading these articles today.

I think the Community need to learn a bit more about the Nevan culture before they accuse a local business of such things. I enjoy working with our island visitors, having them in my home and being part of our community.

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