Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Fears Camping Ground May Become Chinese Workers’ Camp

Fears Camping Ground May Become Chinese Workers’ Camp

The National government must seek clarification from the buyers of a Far North camping ground that it will not be used as a workers’ camp for lowly paid Chinese workers, says New Zealand First.

“If the new owners refuse to officially confirm the Whatuwhiwhi Top 10 Holiday Park on Karikari Peninsula will be tourist accommodation, and not workers’ accommodation, then the Overseas Investment Office must revoke approval for foreign ownership,” says New Zealand First Leader and Member for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“Creation of jobs for New Zealanders was at the top of the reasons for the Overseas Investment Office ticking off the sale of $3.8 million. The Chinese buyers, the owners of nearby Peppers Carrington Resort, told the OIO they would upgrade and develop the existing campground business.

“The OIO states: ‘The acquisition will allow the applicant to develop its adjoining Carrington Resort further and provide increased offerings to the tourism market’.

“There are too few jobs created by most of these foreign-owned luxury lodges. It is even worse if the resort plans to bring in foreign workers, on pay rates much lower than Kiwi workers’ receive.

“New Zealand First warned there was not enough scrutiny done on the China Free Trade Agreement and negative outcomes like this were possible.

“The Far North is a neglected area and jobs are scarce. There can be no case for a company needing foreign workers, particularly in the hospitality industry.

“New Zealand First understands most of the managers and workers now at Carrington are Chinese.

“Overall, there will be little benefit from foreign ownership with tourists booking and paying for their stay in China, and profits returned to China.”


ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.