RSE workers Lyn Soapi (left), Danny Lau and Mary Lau say they were victims of verbal abuse and threats from their manager. Photo / Paul Taylor
The Minister of Immigration has demanded a trio of Solomon Islands fruit pickers be kept safe while investigations into bullying and assault claims against a manager are carried out.
An audio recording involving the group reveals a man threatening to withhold allowances, report the trio to Immigration NZ and withhold assistance to get flights home.
Pick Hawke's Bay general manager Anthony Rarere is alleged to be the person making the threats. Pick Hawke's Bay is a non-profit organisation that connects orchards and vineyards with RSE workers.
Danny Lau, Mary Lau, and Lyn Soapi told Hawke's Bay Today they are now living in a constant state of fear of Rarere.
Rarere told Hawke's Bay Today there were a "number of inaccuracies" in the RSE workers' claims. He declined to comment further to Hawke's Bay Today due to ongoing discussions with his lawyers.
Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said the matter is being investigated.
"I have demanded assurances from Immigration New Zealand that the workers are safe and supported and I am advised that senior Immigration New Zealand staff are visiting to double check that this has happened," he said.
"I expect the welfare of the workers involved to be prioritised."
On June 19, the trio met with Rarere, along with six other RSE workers.
Soapi recorded the meeting, which reveals a man alleged to be Rarere stating:
"You've got no f***ing respect. You're only here because of me," he says. "If you want to go and stay somewhere else pack your bags and f*** off.
"I'm going to call immigration and tell them you've absconded. Look that up, find out what that means.
"The next step, they call the police, they find you, and then they can hold you in the cells until you go home, in August.
"The more you muck me around, the longer I'm going to wait to put you on the list to go home."
The workers made a complaint to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment's Labour Inspectorate. However, the handling of the complaint is being scrutinised after MBIE initially used an investigator with a conflict of interest.
Another investigator was appointed.
According to a statement made to police on June 19, Danny Lau claims Rarere became angry in a meeting about food allowance.
Soapi, who is still living at Rarere's accommodation, said she is fearful of what may happen in the future.
She has spoken with senior officials from Immigration New Zealand, who offered food, shelter and financial help, but Soapi rejected the offers as these were already taken care of by the local community.
Officials also offered a formal investigation process to take place under INZ.
Lees-Galloway's team said moving them to another site may be possible, but INZ would need to work out what's best when it has more information.
The trio hope to return to the Solomon Islands on direct flights next week, but are yet to have any dates confirmed.
An estimated 1664 RSE workers were still in Hawke's Bay a month ago, unable to leave because of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Napier Citizen's Advice Bureau manager Jenny Pearce, who was present when the workers complained to MBIE, said they were visibly shaken.
"They didn't have any money, and looked hungry, scared and anxious," she said.
"They said something had gone wrong. They were concerned about their employment conditions."
Soapi said she is down to her final few dollars.
"We have parents and families at home who we want to send money to, but it's been over month of us living on our savings," she said.
"We don't even have enough money to get by."
Soapi, Danny and Mary said they have had support from Jason Sheardown, an advocate who has helped house the vulnerable workers.
"Mary has been coming here for over 10 years and there have been problems before, but people won't believe it," Sheardown said.
"You see them roaming around but don't know how they are being treated."
Lees-Galloway also said all migrants can get assistance under the Assistance for Foreign Nationals impacted by Covid-19 Programme, which includes food, accommodation, essentials and advice on their options.
"Migrants seeking support should contact the Red Cross who are delivering the programme on behalf of the government," he added.
Police have confirmed a 39-year-old man has been summonsed to appear in Hastings District Court on Mondayto answer a charge of common assault.