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September 01, 2014
Migrant exploitation squeezes out Maori workers
Waatea Team
Posted On September 1, 2014
Retiring Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says exploitation of migrant workers is one of the reasons Maori are missing out on jobs.
Mrs Turia has been campaigning in the south Island with Te Tai Tonga candidate Ngaire Button, and says she’s shocked by what she is hearing about the conditions of seasonal agricultural workers.
She says there needs to be an investigation into the way workers from counties like the Philippines and Vietnam are getting paid less than $4.50 an hour for 10 hour days with no breaks.
That means a proper labour market can’t operate.
"It’s a really good reason for these types of employers to not give employment for ether people who are from this country and certainly the young Maori who cannot get work. It’s just shocking," she says.
Tariana Turia says the Treaty of Waitangi promised that everyone who came to the country would be treated fairly and equitably.
Meanwhile, ACT leader Jamie Whyte has told an election debate on immigration that businesses were bringing in overseas workers because New Zealanders are not up to getting out of bed and getting to work every day.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH TARIANA TURIA CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjE2MjQ=
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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