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

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