Whangārei hospitality businesses in Labour Inspectorate spotlight

The Labour Inspectorate has launched an intensive compliance operation in the Whangārei region with 29 businesses visited by Labour Inspectors.

The 2-day operation was part of the broader Operation Orzo, which began earlier this year in the Bay of Islands. There, unannounced visits were made to more than 50 retail and hospitality businesses in Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell, and nearby suburbs including Haruru, Opua and Waipapa. Inspectors also interviewed nearly 100 workers about their employment conditions.

David Milne, the Labour Inspectorate’s Compliance Manager for the Northern Region, says the goal of Operation Orzo is to increase the visibility and engagement of the Inspectorate and to ensure compliance with minimum employment standards in the northern North Island with a specific focus on the hospitality and retail sectors.

Cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants were all visited during the Whangārei operation which was carried out by the Labour Inspectorate jointly with Immigration Investigators supporting on some visits.

Inspectors primarily focused on compliance with the following legislation:

• Employment Relations Act 2000
• Holidays Act 2003
• Minimum Wage Act 1983
• Wages Protection Act 1983

The Immigration team focused on identifying any immigration breaches from employers. Three employers were identified to have employed migrant workers without a valid or correct visa and will be issued infringement notices. One individual was also issued with a Deportation Liability Notice for breaching their visa conditions.

Mr Milne says the primary focus of Operation Orzo is to raise awareness about the inspectorate and monitor whether businesses are meeting their obligations under minimum employment standards.

“However, inspectors made a point of helping business owners and employees understand their rights and responsibilities regarding employment standards.

“Education is an important part of what we do and where breaches are found to be minor and unintentional Employment New Zealand inspectors are happy to work with employers and employees to educate or resolve complaints or other issues.

“But where clear breaches of minimum employment standards are found various enforcement options will be considered,” Mr Milne says.

He says the data gathered during the Whangārei visits is still being assessed and it is still too early to provide any updates about potential breaches.

Operation Orzo is one of several operations the Inspectorate is undertaking across New Zealand this year.

Other sectors under the Labour Inspectorate spotlight include transport, construction, horticulture, dairy and security.

MBIE encourages anyone who thinks they or someone else has been treated unfairly in the workplace to contact Employment New Zealand's 0800 20 90 20 Customer Service Centre number where their concerns will be handled in a safe environment.

Media contact: 021 814 674 or email media@mbie.govt.nz.