ASIA PACIFIC
Food. Culture. Travel Show. y Free Entr Celebrating our 23rd year!
December 2014 • Vol 2 No 53
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Reaching the broader ASIAN community
‘Tea Break Employment Bill’
the boiling point Dennis Maga First Union Migrant Workers Organizer
Michael Woodhouse Workplace Relations & Safety Minister
Andrew Little Labour Leader
Winston Peters NZ First Leader
Louie Encabo Journalist
Nagarajah Manoharan Community Leader
Bevan Chuang Social Commentator
Taj Shaik Media Commentator
Thriller Live!
Secret Santa
Pg 15
Storm in a teacup?
Pg 4
Pg 2
Merry Christmas Happy New Year!
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# FOREWORD
Christmas Tree Trivia
The travel experts at Cheap flights.co.nz are getting to the root of the world's best Christmas trees with
some interesting tinsel free tidbits. Rockefeller Centre, New York - the wood from the
e ura Jeffre Colin-Math Lim ... and Nadia NEWMARKET, Auckland - Newmarket launched its new Christmas campaign titled ANZ & Newmarket 'Undercover Santa' and some recipients of gifts were left a little stunned. “One lucky winner, from Zimbabwe, couldn't actually believe it was true - not until Undercover Santa, Colin Mathura-Jeffree gave him a hug! The lucky shopper received a $250 voucher from retailer Nicholas Jermyn. Colin gave away over $1,000 worth of prizes today!” says Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive, Mark KnoffThomas. “Our second Undercover
13-tonne, 90-year old Norway spruce tree will be used to build new homes for the charity Habitat for Humanity. Trafalgar Square, London - the Christmas tree is an annual gift from the city of Oslo to thank London for its help during World War II. Pitt Street Mall, Sydney, Australia - Half a million bricks of Lego were used to build this tree and surfing Santa. Daley Plaza, Chica-go, USA - This city keeps their tree local. The annual Christmas tree is always grown within a 100 mile radius of the Chicago Loop. Notre Dame, Paris From Russia with Love. This year's Christmas tree was a goodwill gift from Russia.
Secret Santas
Washington, DC, USA the 2014 Christmas Tree outside the White House travelled from the state of Pennsylvania to its position on Pennsylvania Avenue. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Technically a sculpture rather than a tree, this 542 tonne floating structure features 3.1 million lights and is the world's largest floating tree. Prague, Czech Re-public - This Bohemian grown tree
stands in the open-air Christmas market in the Old Town Square and features more than 100,000 LED bulbs. Boston Common, Boston, USA - Another token tree of appreciation, Boston's tree is an annual gift from Nova Scotia, given as thanks for helping its city Halifax when it was in danger from a 1917 explosion. Dortmund, Ger-many Often dubbed the world's
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tallest tree this 45-metre tree is made up of 1,700 smaller trees.
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Santa, Nadia Lim, caught one of her lucky recipients by surprise too. A young family were delighted with their Nature Baby gift pack. The campaign has been well received and we still have over $20,000 worth of prizes to give away between now and Christmas.”
ANZ Newmarket has also provided the major prize of an additional $5,000 which will be drawn at midday on 23rd December 2014. The Undercover Santa campaign runs through until 22nd December.
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SHOW TALK By SHEILA MARIANO
Parties? Gala? Date? And you need a make-up artist pronto? Yup, I suppose we share the Cinderella Complex. That obsession with selftransformation. To look good and feel good with a little bit of help … from a make-up artist. What if the make-up artist and you turn out to be a mismatch? Instead of feeling good the end effect is disappointing. Ever been in that situation before? And to add insult to injury being told by the minion you've engaged: “I'm a
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The Cinderella Complex? Yup, I suppose we share the Cinderella Complex. That obsession for self-transformation. To look good and feel good, with a little bit of help … from a make-up artist. make-up artist, not a magician!” Then here comes Paolo Ballesteros ... the make-up magician. He weaves his magic with the aid of some accessories - like coloured contact lenses and wigs. He can then skillfully transform himself to look like Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Km Kardashian, Madonna and would you
believe even the First Lady of the United States - Michelle Obama. These are just a few of the world famous faces he can copy. Paolo Ballesteros, 31, is an actor and presenter and has been featured in many international magazines, websites, news sites, blog sites, you name it because of his talent. He now has more than 350,000 followers on his Instagram account, pochoy
_29. Paolo is an actor and a regular host of Eat Bulaga – the long running noontime show in the Philippines. I can’t wait to see Paolo as a guest on The Ellen Show when he becomes a Ellen DeGeneres look alike. :)
Photo credit: Official Instagram of Paolo Ballesteros, pochoy_29.
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By MEL FERNANDEZ
AUCKLAND - 'Is our tea break safe?' was an 'Opinion' column written by Filipino-Kiwi Journalist of the Year Louie Encabo in the November edition of Filipino Migrant News (FMN). Having worked for a fast food chain a while ago, Louie describes how the new Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2014 (the 'Tea Break' Employment Bill if you will) could have provided greater flexibility around break times in his workplace. He believes it would have taken the pressure off staff who were left to cope during the peak periods. The article (reproduced on page 5) raised a few eyebrows in the trade union circles. To provide balance to Louie Encabo's article we include a diametrically opposed view on page 6, 'Excuse me Boss, may I have my break?', by Dennis Maga, First Union's migrant workers organiser. The 'Tea Break' Employment Bill, supported to the hilt by National, Act and United Future, was passed by the new Parliament last month. Opponents of the Bill, Labour, the Greens, NZ First and the Maori Party, claimed that it would 'take away employees' rights'. In any case the Bill will take effect from 6th March 2015. Labour Leader Andrew Little's claim, that the 'Tea Break' Employment Bill is 'mean-spirited and unfair', has been refuted by Minister Woodhouse. “Mr Little's claim that the Bill will see the end of smoko breaks is nothing but a cynical dog whistle used by Labour to create a climate of fear,” he said. “The Bill acknowledges that an employee is entitled to rest and meal breaks and balances this with the environment and need of the workplace by making the rest and meal break rules more practical and flexible. “Under the Bill employers and employees are able to negotiate when the meal and rest breaks take place and how long for. If they can't agree then the employer can set down the time, but this must be reasonable. “The Bill also puts reasonable limits on when rest breaks and meal breaks can be restricted in certain workplaces, like when healthcare
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workers are dealing with an emergency, for example. “Employers must also still meet their letrial actions. Employers can gal requiresimply walk out of the negoments for matiation. There exists the term naging health "act in good faith", but we and safety do know employers who risks in the don't." workplace Meanwhile, the vitriol when considcontinues between those ering rest and who are for and against the meal breaks. Bill. Dennis Maga Michael Woodhouse Andrew Little Winston Peters “The only Even this paper, which Workplace Relations & First Union Migrant NZ First Leader L a b o u r L e ader Safety Minister situations has, without bias, tried to Workers Organizer where an emprovide an avenue for miployer does grants to have a healthy not have to debate about the issues surgive breaks rounding this controversial are when the bill has come under fire for employee not reigning in the debate. agrees or sions Let's talk some more come where the naw h e r e March 2015. Louie Encabo Nagarajah Manoharan Taj Shaik Bevan Chuang ture of the we couldJournalist Community Leader Media Commentator Social Commentator work means n't have that the emlunch, let ployer can't alone tea reasonably allow a break … there is always give and take Manoharan had this view: breaks, because we were that “The Government ac- in these situations. “The Tea Break Bill will not busy. Even the owners needknowledges that employees “The changes to the bill be a problem for hard work- ed to lend a hand. I strongly need reasonable rest and doesn’t change that. What it ing migrants. This Bill is not believe that most employers meal breaks to rest, eat, does change however is the a major issue to migrant are reasonable and would drink and take care of per- right for a worker to have a workers. allow their staff to have sonal matters and we are break. This means that for a “I’ve been working at the breaks without having it committed to ensuring that worker who doesn’t have a same establishment for over written into the contract. We welcome discussion the right balance is struck good relationship with their 25 years. I do not take tea “The real issue, I think, is about this controversial Bill; between the needs of boss - and if they have noth- breaks but my employer is the collective bargaining please email your comments employers and the needs of ing in their contract about flexible and permits me to power aspect during indus- to: asia2nz@xtra.co.nz. employees.” breaks - the employer can take a one hour Mr Winston Peters the demand that they work lunch break.” New Zealand First through their shifts with no Social comLeader’s response was: rest breaks whatsoever. mentator and “Today we have a National “For a retail worker who is former hospitaligovernment that has dream- on their feet all day or some- ty sector worker ed up a thoroughly question- one doing heavy physical Bevan Chuable 'solution' to getting work not being able to take a ang’s view: “It how long, or when, rest and more productivity and now break is simply inhumane. (the ‘Tea Break’ meal breaks should be. have the changes to employ“It also cuts across the E m p l o y m e n t Employers and employees ment law going through health and safety laws that Bill) helps reshould bargain in good faith Parliament. this government are trying to solve issues in over the timing and length of “Part of it is that they want enact at the moment. retail, hospitality breaks. flexible breaks. That's right; Fatigue can be a contributing and medical secCommon practice is that rest flexible for the employer. factor to many deaths and tors, just to name breaks are 10-15 minutes long Instead of standing at the injuries at work. Taking a a few. and meal breaks are at least 30 pizza oven for a couple of meal break or a 10 minute If it is written minutes long, but this varies hours then taking a short rest stop can make all the in the contract across industries and occupabreak they want you to stand difference to a workers that one is to tions. If an employer is unsure and bake pizzas for a five- physical and mental wellbe- have tea breaks what is appropriate then they hour shift, or more, with no ing.” at certain times The new law acknowledges can check with their industry break. And they want to Taj Shaik, an employee then what hapthat an employee is entitled to association or union what the make it legal for an employ- and media commentar says: pens if they rest and meal breaks and bal- general practice is in their er to suggest that you trade "Tea breaks are vital for the become too busy ances this with the environment industry. away your right to lunch and smooth running of opera- to have one? The only situations where an and need of the workplace by tea breaks.” tions at work places. Does it mean, making the rest and meal break employer does not have to give Green MP, Denise “The tea breaks ensure legally, that the rules more practical and flexi- breaks are when the employee Roche, spokesperson for productive behaviour among employee can agrees or where the nature of ble. Industrial Relations points workers. It breaks monotony sue the employUnder the new law an the work means that the out that: “The Employment and give workers an oppor- er? Or should the employee is entitled to rest employer can't reasonably Relations Act sets out mini- tunity to get a fresh start employer shut allow a break, for example, to and meal breaks that: mum legal requirements, every two hours. the store down if • give the employee a reason- allow healthcare workers to notes “Employers should pro- staff have to take able chance during the employ- deal with an emergency or so a “For tea breaks it basically vide the tea break. It will be their mandatory ee's work period to rest, refresh sole-charge worker can respond means that workers are enti- in the employers interest. tea break? and take care of personal mat- to customers. In either of these tled to one while they are One paid tea break in four “I've worked ters. cases the employee must get working. Most workplaces hour gives double return to in the hospitality • are appropriate for the reasonable compensation. in New Zealand have mutual the company, productivity sector before. length of the employee's work (Text supplied by the and respectful relationships wise. You can count on it." Many of us period. Ministry of Business, Innobetween the employer and Hamilton-based commu- would have exThere are no specific rules for vation and Employment.) the employees and of course nity leader Nagarajah perienced occa-
‘Tea Break Employment Bill’
the boiling point
The nitty gritty of the new 'Tea Break' Bill
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Govt’s TEA-BREAK Employment Bill
TALK BACK By Louie Encabo
FILIPINO-KIWI JOURNALIST of the Year 2014 The newly elected parliament successfully passed its first piece of legislation recently; the Employment Relations Amendment Bill of 2013. The full name of this bill seems like a mouthful, but you’ve probably heard about it from the media or through word of mouth by its more informal aliases such as the ‘no tea breaks law’ or the ‘no smoko bill’ – whichever one the opposition has chosen to call it lately. People do not usually get this hyped up over politics, but this ERA bill has been attacked so much by opposition parties that many New Zealanders have become critical of it. Opponents of the amendment, led by the Labour and Green parties as well as NZ First, have spread the rhetoric that this law will “take away employees’ rights to their tea breaks” and allegedly that this move by John Key will “drive down
wages”. If you are familiar with the tone of politics, as I myself am, you will know to be skeptical of anything that politicians say. If you find it hard to digest that such draconian labour policies could come true in a country such as New Zealand – one that prides itself on egalitarianism and strives to protect everyone’s rights – well, maybe it’s because this rhetoric coming from the opposition is a ridiculous exaggeration. There would be more merit in the complaints if we heard of such a law being passed in more capitalistic societies like China and the United States. The National government, along with the other supporters of the bill, the ACT party and United Future (or David Seymour and Peter Dunne), have stated that these accusations from the opposition are misleading and that the bill is rather to free up unnecessary government regulations over employment agreements and instead to leave all negotiations to the employer and the employee. So, what exactly does that mean? More importantly, what exactly is in the Employment Relations Amendment Act of 2013? The most demonized provision of this amendment is the paragraph which pertains
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Storm in a Teacup? Louise Encabo believes that our tea breaks are safe: “Contrary to what naysayers are saying that the so called ‘no smoko bill’ is oppressive for workers I actually can see how this can benefit and even improve work conditions for many employees.” to ‘Rest breaks’, which talks about the scenario of loss of an employee’s required tea breaks. Under the original version of the ERA the government already has a prior mandate for all employers to provide breaks for their employees with set times and durations. So if ‘Fast food X’ hires a new employee then they are already required to provide them with government set rest breaks during their shifts – regardless of what the workload looks like for the company as well as for other workers also working the same shift. The author used to work in fast food himself, and when I worked my shifts there were many instances where I was pressured to have my breaks at inconvenient times – simply because customer demand spiked at random times. For example, I took a half hour long break just moments after I started my shift because the store expected a busy late afternoon period and it would have been the only chance for an employee to be on
Small firms looking for staff Small business confidence has reached record highs in Canterbury, the wider South Island and Wellington, according to ANZ's quarterly Business Micro Scope survey of small firms. Nationally this sentiment fell back slightly in June from the previous quarter's record levels, but remains well above the historical average. Hiring intentions among small businesses nudged upwards to a new record high, auguring well for employment as the economy continues to expand. Many business owners have now turned their attention to finding staff with the right skills to take their business forward; now cited as one of the biggest challenges for small firms. Fred Ohlsson, ANZ's Managing
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Director, Retail & Business Banking, said: “Small firms have made a clear statement that they're still prepared to take on staff and invest amid challenges such as a high dollar. This optimism is encouraging and is testament to the wide array of forces now supporting the economy. “Small firms account for 90 percent of Kiwi businesses and provide jobs for nearly one in three New Zealanders. So when owners tell us they're keen to take on more staff; that's a shot in the arm for employment nationally. “Migration and training will be important in ensuring that the skills are available to help them take their businesses forward.” Check out our website for more info on the job market: www.asia2nz.co.nz
break. It would have been better had I taken my break after that busy period to rest, but because the store was unsure how long the busy afternoon would last I had to get my government mandated break out of the way. There were also several instances when I had taken my break and the anticipated afternoon rush never came; in fact the store was empty. As I had already made use of my allotted break I could not do anything but work on unnecessary things. There were also moments when the opposite happens and during my break an unexpected rush period happened. But because of ERA provisions stating that employee breaks are to be uninterrupted I was not allowed to lend a hand and an understaffed crew had to deal with the rush themselves. Wouldn’t it have been easier if the manager, or the employer, had the freedom to agree with their employees when and how long their breaks should be? Rather than have a government dictate to them the terms of the
breaks it would make more sense and be much more efficient if employees took time off to relax and to replenish themselves whenever the store was not busy. Or if customer demand was high and the entire shift and the employee missed their breaks due to busy periods, maybe the employer and employee could negotiate on having extra breaks during the following shift to compensate? This is precisely what the ERA amendment aims to do; get government regulations out of the way and leave the terms and conditions of the rest breaks strictly between the employer and their employees. Naturally, the trumpet blowers from anti-John Key factions could easily turn that into a scenario where the National Party is allowing corporations to make their employees work endlessly. But thankfully we
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live in a New Zealand that looks after its people – such a scenario is not going to happen. Looking at the Employment Relations Amendment Bill from this perspective it actually isn’t a bad bill at all – in fact, it is more of a common sense bill. Contrary to what naysayers are saying that this is oppressive for workers I actually can see how this can benefit and even improve work conditions for many employees. Does the government really know the nature of every business well enough to be able to tell them the terms of their employment agreements? I beg to disagree. That conversation should be left to the employers and their respective employees.
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‘Excuse me Boss, may I have my break?’ OPINION By Dennis Maga
FILIPINO-KIWI MIGRANT ADVOCATE of the Year 2014
Recess! (or Tea Break). My favourite time during all of my school days in the Philippines. Like most normal school children I looked forward to recess as time for a much needed break from school work, a quick snack, to play with buddies and to go to the toilet. When I drop my son at his NZ primary I can hear teachers chiding children who remain indoors on a sunny day. Sometimes when my wife checks my son's lunchbox and asks why there's so much leftover food, he says, “It's because the bell rang, so it's time for us to play and enjoy our break!” I'm pretty sure that my son would be among the first to stage a protest if recess was taken away from their school routine! Most parents agree that kids perform better when they have a break. Several studies also note that school children pay more attention when given a break for free play. In this country, where Health and Safety guarantees have been won by unions, guaranteed breaks are also essential for peak performance from workers. Sadly, however, a lot of working parents in NZ don't enjoy the kind of breaks their kids get and also have to continue to struggle with insecure work hours. At FIRST Union we've raised concerns about the alarming trend of 'zero hour contracts', where workers have to be available for work, but have no hours
guaranteed. Such contracts are very common in some popular fast food chains around New Zealand. To make things worse, the National government is hell-bent on employment law changes that undermine workers' collective bargaining power for higher wages and guaranteed breaks among other basic workers' rights that unions have fought for and won for years. The Employment Relations Amendment Act - the very first law change passed in National's third term - was strongly opposed by the unions as it weakens collective bargaining and takes away the guaranteed right of employees to a tea break. At the time of deliberation in Parliament the Human Rights Commission noted that the Bill will breach international obligations to protect employee's rights if it passes. Why change the law? Workplace Relations Minister Michael Woodhouse says that, "flexible and balanced employment relations legislation is essential for businesses to grow while ensuring that protections for workers are retained”. He adds that the new law, “strikes the right balance to promote business growth while also retaining protections for workers". However, not all share this view. Helen Kelly, Council of Trade Unions (CTU) President, says that: “the Bill weakens collective bargaining and will exclude new employees from collective coverage at the time they are most vulnerable when they start a new job. Employers can favour individual agreements and refuse to conclude a collective agreement. This Bill will further reduce pay and conditions for New Zealand
workers; especially for low paid, vulnerable workers. These changes are unfair on working Kiwis.” Kelly stressed that, “the Government's Cabinet paper admits that these changes will make it easier for employers to pay workers less”. Put simply: “these changes make it easier for employers to cut pay and conditions. They will increase inequality and make it harder for working families to get by.” What Balance? Before the new law passed FIRST Union had already been receiving grievances from members, especially check-out operators in some of the big supermarkets who missed out on their restroom, tea and lunch breaks. Ideally, such breaks must be guaranteed by all employers. But there are GOOD employers and there are BAD employers. In reality, workers, especially youth and new migrants, will be more vulnerable to work exploitation and discrimination under the new law. Migrant workers are always worried about losing their work visas and facing deportation. They tend to be victimised by the
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most unfair labour practices in New Zealand. We at FIRST Union and the Union Network for Migrants (UNIMEG) have represented many cases where bad employers take advantage of migrant workers by forcing them to work long hours in order to keep their jobs. As noted earlier, a growing number of workers are in
Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2014:
casual, short-term and zerohours contracts, which means that workers have less job and wage security. What balance is the National government going to achieve when all along it is taking away workers' power to negotiate for better pay and working conditions? In reality, the law will guarantee greater economic imbalance in society and will create greater problems, especially for working people. Losing guaranteed breaks is inconsistent with New Zealand's international obligations and with the health and safety changes recommended by the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety. The CTU further asserts that: “Working life is hard enough for many Kiwis at the moment. Many families are struggling to keep up with the cost of living, even with low inflation. This Bill will hurt these families more than it helps and will take us
Losing 'Recess’ Time and More back to what applied under the newzealand.com despised Employment Contracts Act. “We will be campaigning against these changes and pushing for employment laws that encourage collective bargaining as the way to higher wages and productive and safe workplaces and not changes that undermine bargaining and make it even harder for workers to get ahead.” Editor: The law will take effect in March 2015.
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What’s on Everyone's favourite family show, T h e K i d s F a i r 2 0 1 5 guarantees live entertainment, amazing exhibits and free amusement rides for everyone big to small. Bring the whole family along to experience this extravaganza with 'Terry the Time Travelling T-Rex,' 'Cornflake the Clown' and 'The Wot Wots' plus a huge assortment of books, toys, clothes, and much more! Head to k i d s f a i r . c o . n z for more information and get your tickets online now at iticket.co.nz Where: ASB Showgrounds, Greeenlane When: Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th, January 2015, 10am - 5pm
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AUCKLAND - Fluency is the glittering but distant goal driving newcomers forward. But some revel more in the unexpected gains scattered along the journey itself. A cluster of New Zealand's annually arriving 4,000 plus long-stayers urged their fellows to relax the quest and instead reset themselves as ongoing trialists, thus celebrating each new level of word power, while even more, poised to absorb the finer points of life learning. Paul and Maria Yen from Taiwan are Auckland-based high school teachers who dared to celebrate their hardwon immersion. Then, a dispute within their investment property avalanched this couple into a living dictionary centred on conflict and its complex settlement. “Suddenly”, recalled Paul, “we were legal survivalists! Everything we said or wrote was likely to take on some extreme meaning”. Though now heading for a likely end before any formal hearing, the trauma left the Yens exhausted, but with Maria adding, “Our English really sharpened up”. Minoo Peter of Kerala, India, works as a porter in three cityside hotels. For Minoo, fluency speeds forward when locals readily volunteer their goodwill. “Even gestures like valuing our opinions can make us feel at home here.” “God loves diversity. All mankind is a brotherhood and a sisterhood. It is so life giving to see people take on that total communication to strengthen each other.” Latai Pelesikoti, a 2007 arrival from Tonga, insists that settlement is about “bringing much of your world with you, and then helping it grow into more than what you are yourself”. A mother of four daughters and a son, aged between nine and 22, Latai first thought she had left her true identity within her island nation. “But my role is now to keep these youngsters up to date with their Tongan side. Even if it's mainly for their flights home to visit grandparents.”
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ENGLISH MASTERY:
The long, winding road By Bill Harrison
Fluency is the glittering but distant goal driving newcomers forward. But some revel more in the unexpected gains scattered along the journey itself.
(left:) Winnie Lam, Hong Kong: So easily, can the tower tip over
(above:) Minoo Peter, Kerala, India: “Always, you are in the role of someone breaking through”
(top:) Paul and Maria Yen, Taiwan: “Our English really sharpened up...” (after dealing with an investment dispute)
For Sunny Hwang, a restaurant kitchen manager, guiding diners through straight EFTPOS style transactions will soon upscale into higher study. The multi-tasker conceded, “English is powerful, attractive, and my favourite foreign language. “My mental translations from Korean are reducing, although I still don't know much English that is related to emotions. “Yet I am emotional by nature, so will likely improve here by studying to become a local chemist and sharing the discovery with others who never tire
“On the comical side are migrants and locals insisting each should speak more understandably. Instead, both will merely repeat the same but with rising irritation! Useful would be some quieter and more creative energy.” - Karen Venter, life skills facilitor of it.” Successful conversation is a bridge Winnie Lam began building for herself soon after her 1997 touchdown from Hong Kong. Having come as a 13year-old school girl, Winnie is now delighting in doing mid-management hospitality and affirmed, “You get used to tracking guests' responses all the way through a transaction as it becomes so easy to lose each other”. “If you do, this is like your own English pushing you over a cliff! You're never sure how far to backtrack and re-phrase!” To Nadia, an Iraqi former administrator/translator, peace of mind has meant letting go of corporate ambition in favour of voluntary care of the frail aged.
Despite a relevant professional resume, Nadia found local employers reluctant to take a chance on her overseas background. “To me, success is now being among those who welcome you and need you.” From our language leaders come confirmation of newcomers' freedom here. Noel Harrison is an author and multi-level educationalist, much of whose retirement is dedicated to Wellington's Somali community. “Immigrants don't have to give up or change all of their personality characteristics to fit into a new society. “New Zealand, in my experience, is a country which makes it possible to have a wide range of opinions and ways of life.”
(Above:) Sunny Hwang, Korean: ‘Graduating’ into phrases of feeling and creativity (Above left:) Latai Pelesikoti, Tonga: “Its still about you but not in the way you’d imagined”
Honey Rasalan is a project funding officer with Migrant Action Trust (MAT) and among New Zealand's 40,000 plus Filipinos. Honey recalled a female performing artist resettled from Korea and seeking backing for a community group. “Her English communication skills were capable, but she was still anxious about letting herself down in the presentation of her proposal. So we were also invited to attend the meeting. “So many newcomers fit well into everyday living, yet will struggle with the expression of abstracts and ideas. However, we can support their courage in working through this.” Karen Venter is an employment and life skills
facilitator, also with MAT. A South African psychologist, Karen arrived in 1994 following a career spanning Cape Town and Johannesburg. “On the comical side are migrants and locals insisting that each should speak more clearly. Instead, both will merely repeat the same thing, but with rising irritation! Some quieter and more creative energy would be more useful. “Many settlers are an inspiration. But some could challenge themselves to offer empathy and understanding just as much as they seek it.”
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GO
BIZ
Even tourists from the Republic of Singapore (right) who stumbled upon this gem of a cafe in Avondale are singing it’s praises. It’s big on authentic Chinatown flavours. By MEL FERNANDEZ Editor, Travel Galore travelgalore.co.nz
Viva la
AVONDALE, Auckland – The opening of a new Asian café two months ago in Avondale must have surely been one of the best kept secrets within the community. But not for long though; the residents of Avondale and the surrounding suburbs who have discovered this gem of a café for themselves will now have company. For three days in a row my family and I have been feasting on the café’s endless range of delectable chicken
Chicken Republique! dishes and we will keep going back for more, even bringing friends along with us. Viva la Chicken Republique! The ‘que’ in Republique is a dead giveaway – barbeque chicken reigns supreme here. The
Classic Roasted Gourmet Chicken is top of the pops, made lovingly with a secret recipe to give you that promised ‘tender, juicy, lip lickin flavour’. My son, who’s a fussy eater, spontaneously endorsed it: “the best chicken in
town.” One of my personal favourites is Grilled Periperi Chicken, hot and tangy but not overpoweringly so, followed by Sambal Chicken, an ever-popular Malaysian dish. Then there’s Lemon Grass Chicken, Chicken
Teriyaki, Chicken Curry, Chicken Pineapple, Sweet Chilli Chicken, Chicken Stew and of course, some all-time Filipino favourites – Chicken Adobo and Chicken Afritada. Even though chicken dishes are predominant on the
Tasty treats from the world’s oldest Chinatown AVONDALE, Auckland – They are both passionate about cooking and serving good food. Jenny Su is a self-taught chef who gained work experience in a major chicken savoury in the Philippines. Michael is a businessman with experience in marketing products for his family business.
You might say that together they have the required skills to make a go of their new café - Chicken Republique in Avondale. The Sus come from Binondo in Manila - the oldest Chinatown in the world. The family business imported food from China, Indonesia and India. “It was a big business,” explains Michael. “That’s why Mum
and Dad got frustrated that I moved here. They remind me of the good life we enjoyed in the Philippines.” Michael came to New Zealand in 2001. At one stage he worked for a courier firm that serviced clients in the Avondale area. In the course of his work he built up valuable contacts in the factories and offices in the area. So when he decided to
resign and open a café he was able to secure contracts to deliver affordable packed lunches to the staff of his former clients. This turned out to be a good stream of additional income for the business. “Overall business is brisk,” says Michael. “For example, we currently sell 1,000 siopaos a week. In one factory they might order 100 to 150 siopaos.
Michael and Jenny Su from Binondo in Manila, Philippines
“Our spaghetti is pretty good and Kiwis prefer this to the rice. “The top selling dishes at the moment are our Grilled
Making the grade important for foodies AUCKLAND - As the local food scene expands to include the latest international style with that quintessential Kiwi flavour, competition in the industry is high and nothing but an A grade will do. Since Auckland Council implemented the Food Safety Bylaw last year, which covers inspection, staff training, the conduct and maintenance of premises, and cleaning and
sanitising, there has been a significant improvement in food safety and hygiene, with almost 98 per cent of businesses scoring an A or B. “We are encouraged by these numbers as it means an increase in food safety, minimising the potential risks of food bought from restaurants, cafes, food stalls and mobile food shops,” said Councillor Calum Penrose, Bylaws Committee Chair.
“Now food premises have to display their grade prominently, customers have become more aware of the grading of food safety practices and hygiene.” “The food grading system is just one aspect of a consistent approach to food safety region wide to protect public health,” says Mervyn Chetty, Manager Environmental Health. “From a customer’s
point of view, the grade allows them to make an informed choice before they eat out.” There are over 8,520 licensed food premises in the region, including 762 new applications for licences this year. “We have seen an increase in food operators wanting to sell food at markets. This year alone, we have had three new night markets open, bringing
the total to nine night markets operating in Auckland,” says Mr Chetty. He also noted that food trucks were gaining in popularity. For more information about food safety, visit www.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/food Editor: Asian Food Festival 27-28 June 2015 @ ASB Showgrounds www.asia2nz.co.nz
international menu, beef comes in a close second. My wife’s favourite is Braised Beef Stew in tomato sauce (Beef Calderetta). As the owners of the cafe, Michael and Jenny Su are from the Philippines, Filipino dishes take pride of place in the quite extensive menu offerings. Folks, on offer is Filipino home-style cooking at its best: Sisig. Menudo. Sinigang na Pork. Lechon Kawali. Pock Hock Kare Kare. Pork BBQ. Crispy Pata. Dinuguan. Pancit Canton and Bihon. Fried Chicken with Spaghetti. The snacks like BBQ Bun, the popular Fried Chicken Drumstick and sides like Chicken Macaroni are also worth trying. The above is not a complete list of what’s available. Discover the range yourself. Enjoy!
Chicken with peanut sauce, the grilled Peri-Peri Chicken and the Sambal Chicken. Customers also like the Beef Caldereta for the richness of its sauce and the tender meat.” Michael kindly shared his success secret: “Our prices are very affordable and people appreciate that. And because we sell dishes that move fast our food is always fresh.”
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"We encourage anyone who has received immigration advice from someone who is not licensed or exempt to come forward and speak to us."
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Crackdown on dodgy 'advisers'
"The IAA was set up to protect people receiving immigration advice. A public register of all licensed advisers can be found on our website.” Catherine Albiston Acting Registrar of Immigration Advisers
Z
DE By MEL FERNAN
- Catherine Albiston, Acting Registrar of Immigration Advisers
AUCKLAND - In a crackdown aimed at protecting migrants the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) is hauling up errant licensed immigration advisers and unlicensed advisers. In the October edition of AMN we reported that Alyssa Tan, who is associated with Asia & New Zealand Consultants in Auckland and Mheta Immigration Consultancy in the Philippines, had been barred from her profession for serious misconduct. According to the IAA Ms Tan is prevented from applying for a licence for two years, has been censured and has been ordered to pay a $5,000 penalty and a $4,700 refund.
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The complaint was one of two that were upheld. The other complaints related to Ms Tan lodging visa applications that had no hope of success and carried a penalty of $3,500. Last month an unlicensed immigration adviser, Richard Martin, was sentenced to three years and seven months imprisonment after being found guilty of 93 immigration related charges in June this year. The IAA says that the 49year-old former immigration lawyer was sentenced in the Auckland District Court on charges including, providing immigration advice when neither licensed nor exempt, forgery and supplying false or misleading infor-
mation to an immigration officer. The offending was committed between May 2009 and September 2010 when Martin provided immigration advice through Richard Martin Immigration Limited and forged lawyers' signatures on immigration documents. Acting Registrar of Immigration Advisers Catherine Albiston says that the sentence is the heaviest penalty handed down to an unlicensed adviser since the Immigration Advisers Authority was established in 2007 and reflects the seriousness of the offending. Arron Baker of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) says that the: “sentencing should act as a deterrent to
any other unlicensed adviser operating outside the system. They can expect the full force of INZ, IAA and the New Zealand Police coming down on them, if necessary, to ensure that the integrity of our systems are maintained and that vulnerable people are protected.” In victim impact statements the Court heard of the emotional, financial and psychological implications faced by a number of victims, with many of them forced to return to their home countries as a direct result of Martin's offending. At the sentencing Judge Mary Elizabeth Sharp spoke of one of Mr Martin's clients who was in New Zealand legitimately, believ-
ing he was processing her visa application to remain in the country, but after she contacted Immigration New Zealand, despite numerous failed attempts at contacting Mr Martin, the victim was advised that there was no active visa application for her and she was in New Zealand unlawfully. In a separate case the IAA has laid a total of 17 charges against a South Auckland woman in the Manukau District Court. Ms Albiston says that the charges faced by the woman include six of providing immigration advice without being licensed or exempt and knowing that she was required to be, six of advertising herself as being able to
provide immigration advice and five charges of receiving fees for the provision of immigration advice without being licensed or exempt and knowing that she was required to be. Catherine Albiston says, "The IAA was set up to protect people receiving immigration advice. A public register of all licensed advisers can be found on our website.” She says that the IAA is separate to Immigration New Zealand and that contacting the IAA will not affect anyone's visa status. The IAA recently produced a helpful guide for migrants in five languages, which can be found on the IAA website.
I M M I G R AT I O N N Z S E RV I C E S LT D Our experienced and qualified team can assist you with all types of temporary or residence visa applications. A licensed adviser will manage your application to ensure the process runs smoothly. We provide timely updates and keep you informed throughout the whole process.
WE SPECIALISE IN
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• Family • Skilled Migrant • Business categories • Special
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• Approval in principle to recruit overseas workers • Employer accredition
Other Services:
• Urgent travel visas • NZQA assessments • Medical and Character Waivers • Options if you are unlawful in New Zealand • Appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal • Ministerial requests • Translation for over 24 languages (government approved for Immigration New Zealand and NZQA) • Application for New Zealand Citizenship • Fiji Police Clearance • Fijii Passport Renewals
Ph: 09 278 7027 / 09 283 7730 Mob: 022 040 1507
Email: countrywideimmigration@xtra.co.nz Unit 20, 16 Lambie Drive, Lambie Plaza, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand
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‘Juan-derful’ video for Filipino settlers
By MEL FERNANDEZ
Auckland – Filipino advocacy group Migrante Aotearoa (MA) has launched a video titled ‘Juan in TraNZit’ that will give new and potential migrants a glimpse of life and work in New Zealand. “This (video) is actually very expensive,” says Dennis Maga, MA’s National Co-ordinator. “It cost us around $10,000 …” The core funder for the project is the Western Union Foundation. “It took us a year to finish this video, because we were working on the project during weekends. As it is a film about advocacy no one was actually paid for their involvement. “There were a lot of costs related to travel as the team was filming on location between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Ashburton and even Rotorua. “The project has been on the drawing board as far
back as 2007,” says Dennis. “MA has been looking at effective ways to communicate with overseas Filipinos and immigrants from other parts of the world,” he adds. “… the feedback that we were getting is that once immigrants arrive in New Zealand they are overwhelmed by the number of leaflets available to them at the airport. Furthermore, this is information that would have been useful before migrating or going to work abroad.” ‘Juan in TraNZit’ runs for a little over 7 minutes, with Tagalog dialogue and English subtitles. Research undertaken by MA indicates that this is the optimum duration for such an
informational YouTube video. The rationale to go online with the message is because migrants are focused on the web for information at the click of a mouse. “Who needs leaflets nowadays?”
questions Dennis. MA expects to see a lot of YouTube users forwarding the video to friends and familys in New Zealand and overseas. A facebook page for ‘Juan in TraNZit’ is nearing completion and will be yet another resource
f o r wouldbe migrants. “Based on the success of this project more information videos like this are in the pipeline,” says Dennis. The documentary is directed by Rod Prosser. The main character ‘Juan’
is portrayed by Russell Siaygnco, a part-time actor. The script was written by Dwayne Mallo.
World communities Football Cup
Team Somali wins football tournament
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WELLINGTON - Team Somalia from Wellington have become the sixth champions of the World Communities Football Cup after winning 2 - 0 against Team Ireland from Nelson. The tournament, held at the end of last month, has seen 12 teams representing 16 ethnic communities from all over New Zealand compete for the national title. The national tournament is the culmination of more than 1000 regional games of football with over 250 teams vying to make their way to the finals. A Wellington region 5 a side women's tournament was also held alongside the national tournament and 10 local women's team competed. The 5 a side women's final was an all Irish team final with Ireland 2 beating Ireland 1 in a penalty shootout after both teams
were tied after extra time. The national tournament was preceded by a youth forum that was held at Bishop Viard College in Porirua where 60 youth participated in a personal skills session and got to meet the
Wellington Phoenix and have their photos with the FIFA U 20 World Cup trophy. NZ Police introduced the tournament in 2008 as a way to connect diverse communities, celebrate success, recruit from ethnic communities and encourage social change.
(Text and fotos supplied)
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Natural health products firm expands product line A U C K LAND - New Z e a l a n d Medifarm, a wholesale distributor of New Zealand's natural health products, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Douglas Nutrition in Ap-ril for the Asian market based in this country. Medifarm will be further expanding their business horizons with New Zealand made mother and baby products distributed for the Asian market. Douglas Nutrition, established in 2012, is an affiliate of Douglas Pharmaceuticals, one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in Oceania. Since 2003 Medifarm has signed exclusive distribution agreements with Clinicians and Happy Valley Honey. Medifarm has been aiming to provide quality-assured products
Foto left - Erold A. Sana: “... I can honestly say that my computer competence has increased.”
Adult learning fun at
Te Wananga o Aotearoa
for consumers as well as supporting retailers to operate their businesses within a well-structured distribution environment. Medifarm is distributing products to around 40 NZ-based Asian target offline stores and to more than 200 online stores. Medifarm is striving to build a robust health product industry and to be a part of contributing to growth and stability in the Asian market. For sales inquiries, please contact (09) 476 7733.
AUCKLAND - It has been more than 20 years since Erold A. Sana and his wife were classmates at high school, so when they both decided to enroll in the National Certificate in Computing, Levels 2 & 3 in 2014 it was like a walk down memory lane for the couple. “I informed my wife, who also expressed an interest and joined me in the opportunity. We are now both back at school and are classmates again after more than 20 years,” says Erold. Te Wananga o Aotearoa computing classes, at the Waitakere Campus on Lincoln road, Henderson, are flexible to suit your busy lifestyle. The Certificate in Computing, Levels 2 & 3 teaches students Microsoft office adminis-
trative software & Adobe creative suite software. As Erold explains: “I work as a Payroll Officer at Health Alliance and I live in Henderson. I am finding the course more and more helpful and empowering, not only personally, but also professionally. “I use Microsoft Excel at work and I can directly apply to my work the concepts and applications that I'm learning in class. “The lessons on other topics like Microsoft Access, Power Point, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign for desktop publishing and Adobe Dreamweaver for web design are all very interesting, enjoyable and help me relate to my children better.” The Certificate in Computing, Levels 2 & 3 is a 36-week, no fees
program, designed to teach the basics of computing and software while providing a more advanced understanding of software towards the end of the year for those already employed and using computers. The tutors are friendly and passionate about their students' success. The program is a perfect learning environment for adults, Erold explains. “As the class is composed of adult learners whose ages range from 30s to 50s, the practice of peer teaching and teamwork adds challenge and joy to the learning experience. “ If you ask me now I can honestly say that my computer competence has improved. “Even my communication and interpersonal skills have become better. But more importantly, my wife and I appreciate this chance to be back at school with classmates and a passionate teacher who really makes school a lifelong learning experience.“
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SHOW TALK
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ive L r e l l i Thr
!
Mel Fernandez with MiG Ayesa, Rock Star and Actor
MiG Ayesa paying homage to Michael Jackson.
AUCKLAND - His dazzling charm comes across from the start, when he greets me: “Kamusta ka na pare?” in a Filipino accent. It’s always a delight speaking with Filipino Australian rock star and actor MiG (aka Miguel Ayesa). He was back in Auckland recently to promote the New Zealand premiere production of 'Thriller Live' - a show that pays homage to Michael Jackson's legendary live performances and the magic of his 45-year musical history. “The first time I was in New Zealand was to do 'Grease' at the Aotea Centre in 1993. The second time I came over was in 1996 with the 'Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber Tour'. Then we did 'Grease' again in Auckland. Add to that 'We Will Rock You' and 'Annie'. Now it's 'Thriller Live'. I have to say that I've been to New Zealand so many times it’s like my second home.” In a reflective mood, MiG, who is 44 this year, said: “I'm at a point where I like doing more mature roles. We'll see what happens. It's taken 20 years to get it together in my career. I'm at a really good place; working as a host of TV shows, a songwriter, a photographer,
‘One of my most challenging roles ever’ Season Starts 12th February The Civic Theatre, Auckland a TV editor and in theatre doing shows like 'Annie'. This is something I never thought I'd be doing.”
Q&A with MiG Ayesa Mel: I believe that this is the third time that you are playing Michael Jackson in 'Thriller Live'? MiG: That's correct. Actually, I first did a UK tour version of the show when it was still being for-
AUCKLAND - No need to hop on a plane and go overseas to see 'Thriller Live' as some fans have already done. At last Michael Jackson's blockbuster musical is coming to our very doorstep; Auckland only though, at the Civic Theatre. The season starts from 12 February 2015 and tickets are now on sale. There are two reasons why Asians should get very excited about this news flash. Firstly, Asians love Michael Jackson and this is their chance to enjoy some of his music in a world class production close to home. Secondly, a half-Asian singer is headlining the cast on their NZ tour. How cool is that? The Auckland show will be a reprise of the West End production, says MiG Ayesa. “So what's coming to New Zealand is the show that people are flying to London to see.” AMN spoke to the Philippines-born star in mid-October this year when he was in Auckland promoting 'Thriller Live' with a
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2015
mulated in 2007. We toured the UK with that and we've done a workshop version. Then we made a lot of changes to the show before taking it to the West End. We opened in London in 2009. At that point we could not predict how well the show would go or how successful it would be. But when Michael passed away suddenly you could not get a ticket - it's all sold out. So it became a phenomenon because it's really a fantastic tribute to Michael Jackson. Mel: You once mentioned on your blogsite that 'Michael Jackson was one of the reasons that you became a musician'? MiG: He really is. I don't
actually ever remember a time that I did not know Michael Jackson's music. I've always been a fan of Michael. I love the Jackson 5. But then when 'Thriller' came out it became a whole different dimension. I went from being a fan to getting totally obsessed with him. I saw him in a concert at Parramatta Stadium (Sydney) touring for the album 'Bad' in 1987. I remember watching his concert and it was the most amazing experience and the best concert I have ever been to, even up to now. Mel: Would you agree that performing in 'Thriller Live' is one of the highlights of your career? MiG: This is one of the
most challenging jobs, to be perfectly honest, because we have to be very careful with Michael Jackson's music. We don't want to pretend to be imitators. I'm not impersonating Michael Jackson. I'm doing my own interpretation of Michael Jackson's music. We're just paying homage to him. There are certain things about Michael Jackson's music that you cannot avoid. You cannot do the songs without the influence of his style or without his phrasing. But we cannot pretend to be copying Michael, because we could never be Michael. We'd always be a copy and then it becomes cheap. So there's a fine line regarding how we perform
Will you be there? Over 5 million YouTube hits for 'Will you be there' - the most passionate song of all time? Teardrops will fall as you listen to it. http://tinyurl.com/ d5csz9
very successful media blitz. Scintillating interviews with MiG aired on TV 3 News and TV One's Good Morning Show. MiG was last seen on our shores playing
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the songs. It's really tricky. It's not an easy job. At the same time, the songs are really so hard to sing they're so high. I'm really at the top of my range for most of the show so I have to take good care of myself. This is by far one of the hardest jobs I've ever had to do. At the end of the show there's a guy who becomes a Michael Jackson. I guess he becomes an impersonator of Michael Jackson. He becomes Michael incarnate. That's not my job, thank goodness. I'm there just to be MiG Ayesa singing Michael Jackson songs, which is great. So I want people to understand that. Mel: What are some of the songs you will be singing? MiG: We are singing all his songs from the Jackson 5 days right up to his last release. I'm doing the more rocky ones like 'Beat It', 'She's Out Of My Life' and heaps of other songs. Mel: I believe there will be a number of singers interpreting Michael Jackson's songs during the show? MiG: There are five singers, all singing different types of Michael Jackson songs. We even have a female vocalist singing Michael Jackson songs. This is not a story; it's a celebration of music and it's like a concert version - one hit after another. We're just there to show people what a fantastic a performer he was. How incredible his music was.
story: MiG rocks into 'Annie' role http://tinyurl.com/n5ttdmy. Strangely enough not many people know that MiG was born in the Philippines and raised in Sydney. He gained superstar status when he played Ritchie Valens in the Australian tour of 'Buddy' and joined the hugely popular TV show 'Rock Star: INXS'. In February 2015 Ayesa will will be playing at the Civic return to Australia to reprise his Theatre in Auckland from role in the 'Thriller Live' stage 12-22 February 2015. show, which has played in London's West End since 2009. His fan base in the Philippines is also growing. He told AMN that he loves returning to his motherland as often as he can for work and leisure. He starred in 'Rock of Ages' the sold-out smash hit musical from October 31 to November 9 at the Meralco Theatre in Manila. the role of Rooster in 'Annie'. 'Annie' proBy Mel Fernandez ducer James Cundall told the media: “MiG Ayesa is pure superstar; one of the biggest talents in the show.” Check out our related
'Thriller Live'