Investigation launched following operation on North Shore

Media release

7 November 2013

Investigation launched following operation on Auckland’s North Shore

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has launched an investigation into reports of worker exploitation at a Korean food preparation factory on Auckland’s North Shore.

A cross-agency compliance operation saw the Labour Inspectorate, Immigration New Zealand and Police visit the factory premises yesterday morning.

Labour Inspectorate Northern Regional Manager David Milne says information received from Police and the Ministry’s contact centre included workers being paid below the minimum wage and working up to 16 hours with little or no breaks.

“It has been found that the employer is unlawfully in New Zealand and he has since been detained by Immigration New Zealand,” says Mr Milne.

“The Labour Inspectorate has interviewed the factory’s employees and at this early stage in the investigation we have identified breaches of the Employment Relations Act, with no employment agreements in place.

“The employer has been given a week to provide further information such as wage and time records before we progress the investigation further.

“Labour exploitation is not welcome in New Zealand and the Ministry will not hesitate to take action to ensure our communities are free from this behaviour.

“For migrant business owners this could involve the ultimate consequence of deportation from New Zealand.”

The Ministry will analyse evidence over the next few weeks before deciding its next steps.

Anyone with concerns about their employment should phone the MBIE call centre on 0800 20 90 20 where concerns will be handled in a safe environment.

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