Filipino Migrant News (New Zealand)

PINOY NZ LIFE

REACHING FILIPINOS ACROSS NZ FOR OVER 18 YEARS! Vol 8 No 120 Published Fortnightly. Circulated Nationwide.

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WINSTON LOBATON, WHISTLEBLOWER SPEAKS OUT!

GOOD DEBT BAD DEBT pg 10

AYLA MATENCIO’S PASSION: PHOTOGRAPHY FOR SOCIAL BENEFIT pg 09

ex p o s e d !

Abuse, epxloitation in construction industry pgs 3-7

FILIPINO NURSE LEADER APPOINTED TO NURSING COUNCIL

NZPBC CUP GOLFERS TEE OFF FOR A GREAT CAUSE

pg 02

pg 12

BUHAY NZ

0 2 MAGANDANG BALITA

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Pinoy ELE Workers on site at Legacy Construction Project - Auckland

2016 Monina Hernandez Outstanding Health Professional

Monina Hernandez is a lecturer at the School of Nursing at Massey University and a clinical nurse specialist at Waitemata District Health Board.

Back in the Philippines she was a lecturer at the College of Nursing, University of the Philippines, San Beda and at Makati Medical Centre for around 10 years.

In New Zealand she studied for her Master of Nursing at The University of Auckland and graduated with honours. She is currently a PhD candidate.

Monina is a Community Health Nursing book author, a nursing book reviewer, a researcher, a

midwife and a board exam review lecturer in the Philippines.

She took part in the Local Elections 2016 to become a board member of the Waitemata District Health Board in Auckland.

Currently she is a member of the Health and Well-being Policy Committee of the New Zealand Labour Party.

Her community service roles include: Leadermember at Sigma Nursing, President and Founding officer at the Filipino Nurses Association of New Zealand, Inc., Secretary of the Filipino Labour Party Branch and former Director of the New Zealand Nurses

“Kapamilya Tawag Na!” 027 641 9183

Filipino nurse leader appointed t o Nursing Council

By FIONA CASSIE The first Filipino nurse has been appointed to the Nursing Council of New Zealand, reflecting the growing number of Philippine-trained nurses in the Kiwi nursing workforce.

Monina Hernandez, the chair of the Filipino Nurses Association of New Zealand, was appointed last month by the Health Minister Dr David Clark as a health practitioner member of the Nursing Council along with two new lay Council members.

The Massey University school of nursing lecturer and public health advocate said that she wants to continue her advocacy work within the

Monina Hernandez

Council – but this time as a patient advocate.

“With my clinical work as a nurse specialist, active health advocacy in the community and as a lecturer, I hope to work hard in advocating for the safety of the underserved New Zealand public in this role,” said Hernandez.

Hernandez came to New Zealand in late 2009 after being direct-

ly recruited from the Philip-pines by the Counties Manukau District Health Board from her job as a lecturer for her alma mater, the University of Philippines’ College of Nursing.

She underwent a CAP course before starting work at Middlemore Hospital where she worked in a high-risk post-partum ward and briefly in neonatal intensive care before becoming a clinical nurse specialist in infection prevention and control – a role she held until completing her MNurs (Hons) degree in 2016 and moving to her current job at Massey’s Albany campus.

Philippine-trained nurses are the fastest growing part of the Kiwi registered nurse workforce moving from six per cent of the RN workforce in 2015 to eight percent in 2017.

The Philippines has been the predominant source of internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) in recent years.

About 25 percent of New Zealand’s nurses, about 50,000 practising RNs are IQNs and Philippine-trained nurses make up 30 percent (4,018) of those followed by 29 percent (3,825) UK-trained and 18 percent (2,370) trained in India and Sri Lanka.

The nine member Nursing Council has three elected health practitioner positions, three minister-appointed health practitioners and three ministerappointed lay members.

- First appeared in ‘Nursing Review’. Reproduced with permission from the publisher.

WORKERS’ RIGHTS

ISSUE 120

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Migrant Filipino builders to the Government:

“We want longer visas, equal pay and an end to exploitation.”

The influential IrishAmerican labour union organizer Mother Jones once declared: “The rough hands which create the wealth of the world should be allowed to share it.”

As an activist for the working class, she tirelessly fought for the ideal that the labourers who toil to generate prosperity in society should be valued with fair pay, safe work conditions and be treated with dignity.

Jones passed away in 1930, but nearly a century later the fight she waged is still as relevant as it was during her time. At present manual labourers continue to fall victim to exploitative practices, including being

paid less than what’s fair, not being afforded basic meal breaks and having no security of tenure.

These cases may be more prevalent in developing countries, but even among OECD nations these injustices still occur.

In New Zealand cases of workers’ exploitation are rampant among Filipino builders sustaining an infrastructure boom in Auckland and a postearthquake rebuild in Christchurch.

With an overheating property market, Auckland desperately needs more residential areas and the Government already announced a colossal plan to build 10,000 houses in ten years in the region. The sheer scale of the project

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By LOUIE ENCABO

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with the Central Business District (CBD) being fitted with its first subway network and bus rapid transit (BRT)systems being introduced to its suburbs as well.

Meanwhile, the rebuilding of Christchurch has encountered many hiccups related to government policy, funding and the lack of manpower to meet the demands of the construction process. A large num-

Jenny Salesa, Minister for Building and Construction with Pinoy builders.

Photo credit: Aisha Ronquillo

entails a large workforce; the problem is compounded by a shortage of tradespeople in New Zealand which forces construction

companies to look overseas.

Auckland’s transport infrastructure is also in the process of an overhaul,

ber of Filipino builders have already been recruited overseas to fill these gaps and yet there continues to be delays in the proj-

ect related to labour.

These realities make the work that Filipino builders do extremely important, yet the value of their mahi is not reflected in the way they are treated.

In August, an investigative report conducted by lawyer Catriona MacLennan for the E tu labour union revealed the shocking extent of exploitation suffered by these migrant Filipino builders. The injustice these workers suffered was no longer restricted to several isolated cases but was rather a normalized culture of abuse towards migrant workers.

In her report, which surveyed 42 Filipino migrant builders in both Auckland and Christchurch, MacLennan did not find a single respondent who was paid the average hourly wage for builders in New Zealand.

When the average pay was $29/hour, the most a Filipino builder received was $28/hour and that was only one respondent. The majority of the survey respondents were paid between $19-$25/hour for doing the same work. continued on page 4

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A handbook for migrant workers in New Zealand to share with their friends and families to help protect migrant workers against exploitation has been released by the FIRST Union and its affiliates, the Union Network of Migrants (UNEMIG) and the Indian Workers’ Association (IWA).

The New Zealand Migrant Workers’ Rights Passport (MWRP) will be given out to all migrant workers already a part of FIRST Union and its affiliate networks, UNEMIG and IWA. It contains information on employment rights for migrants, collective agreements and legal and mental

health support services.

The MWRP will act as a work guide and vital connection point for migrants so they can safely work in New Zealand.

The Government also made several announcements regarding its review of the exploitation of migrants in New Zealand.

A consultation group representing migrants, businesses, unions and

look into it they find gross exploitation of workers’ rights that seriously affects their ability to live safe and happy lives. When this occurs it financially ruins rather than helps workers and it has left some people in abhorrent work situations that greatly affect their mental and physical wellbeing. This has gone on for too long and enough is enough.”

Mr Maga says that the Union is aware of exploita-

Union’s Work Passport for Migrant Workers international students has now been established.

FIRST Union General Secretary Dennis Maga

says that New Zealand’s exploitation of migrants is unacceptable.

“Whenever our authorities

tion occurring in horticulture, retail, hospitality, transport and factories and distribution centres in several sectors.

“Our Union, and Unions in other sectors, see this kind of exploitation across many industries. We see unethical employers using clever ways to scoot around employment law through the use of labour-hire workers or simply by writing up a contract that looks as though the worker is on a good rate when in fact they are earning far less in reality. So these employers know the law well and they should know better.”

He applauds the present Government’s pro-active approach.

“It’s a relief that we now

have a Government that is taking the exploitation of migrant workers seriously.

There are still many companies operating in the country that claim to have a worker shortage, when in fact they are paying depressive pay rates in working conditions that New Zealanders simply wouldn’t put up with.”

Mr Maga says that the MWRP aims to beef up worker knowledge, safety and autonomy while the Government conducts its review.

“We know all the tricks unethical businesses use to get cheap labour, so our Migrant Workers’ Passport aims to act as a preventative document against these tactics while the issue is under review.”

Stopping migrant worker exploitation: new research underway WELLINGTON “The Government’s efforts to stamp out the exploitation of migrant workers will be guided by wideranging research,” says Immigration and Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway.

“The Government is determined to build a fair and inclusive modern economy fit for the 21st century and nowhere in that vision is a place for the exploitation of migrant workers.

"While migrants bring the skills we need to grow our economy, many migrant workers,

especially those on temporary and student visas, are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

“Migrant exploitation takes many forms, including workers not getting paid properly and working excessive hours or in unsafe conditions. Crucially, far too many migrant workers do not feel empowered to speak up or seek help when they are being subjected to unfair conditions.

“To help develop ways to stop this exploitation I’ve directed the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to undertake in-depth

research on temporary migrant worker exploitation in New Zealand.

“Auckland UniServices will work with MBIE on this important work. Conducting research through a third party provides an independent and confidential space to hear from migrant and international student groups, unions and businesses.

“The Government will engage with representatives of migrants, businesses, workers, academics and international students to provide independent perspectives and to test ideas.

“This is a thorough review

and will take time. I expect to make decisions in 2019. In the meantime MBIE will continue to Minister Iain take action Lees-Galloway against those who exploit migrants.

“Initiatives underway include the increase in the numbers of Labour Inspectors in Budget 2018 and recently announced changes to post-study work rights that will help reduce the

continued from page 3

This arrangement raises questions: is a salary not a reward for the work one performs? If a Filipino builder makes the same contribution as a Kiwibased worker, why should he not be paid the same as workers of other origins, given that they provide the same value?

Many of these Filipino builders aspire to live permanently in New Zealand and want to bring their families with them who have been left back home in the Philippines.

The tragedy is that the minimum salary threshold for the skilled migrant category is $23.49 per hour as of 2017, those who earn below that threshold don’t even qualify to become permanent residents in the country.

Effectively, these migrant workers can build the essential infrastructure

Migrant builders seek equal pay, longer visa periods and the regulation of pastoral care.

that New Zealand requires and can still be discarded easily. Their job security is made more precarious by the fact that they are only in the country on one-year work visas and have no guarantee of an extension.

The Labour Party – part of the ruling Coalition Government – campaigned to remove 90-day trial periods to improve job security for workers. They argued that allowing

employers to lay-off workers without any substantial reasons after ninety days makes workers insecure about their employment status.

Surely that Party can apply the same rationale to help these migrant workers stuck on one-year visas?

Faced with unfavourable odds, these Filipino builders are also fleeced for what pittance of an

income they receive by 'pastoral care' providers.

MacLennan’s report found that some paid as much as $400 a week to these pastoral care companies to receive basic privileges such as driver’s license assessment tests and use of a work vehicle.

Pastoral care providers directly docked the pay of these migrant workers, which left some of the survey respondents with as lit-

risk of international student exploitation,” says Iain LeesGalloway.

MBIE has also launched a Work Passport for Migrant Workers guide.

Anyone who believes that they are being exploited in the workplace should contact Immigration New Zealand on 0508 558 855 or the Labour Inspectorate on 0800 20 90 20, where their concerns will be handled in a safe environment.

People can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

tle as $10/week to spend on food and other basic needs.

The practice pushed these Filipino builders to rely on food banks and the generosity of concerned individuals in order to sustain themselves.

Having had enough of the status quo, builders under the Migrante Builders Union presented a petition asking for equal pay, longer visa periods and the regulation of pastoral care providers to the Government recently. The Crown was represented by the Hon. Jenny Salesa, Minister for Building and Construction, who formally received the petition.

The petition can be viewed online at http:// www.together.org.nz/build ing_our_homes.

The outcry essentially tells the Government that if their infrastructure projects are important, then the workers who build the infrastructure are just as

important. Therefore, it is only just that they are given security of tenure – with 3-year work visas rather than one year visas, being paid equally with their Kiwi counterparts and providing regulation of dubious pastoral care companies who fleece them of the little salary they receive.

If successful, the migrant workers will be free of undue stress from worrying about the future of their employment and will also become more productive with better pay and living conditions.

The decision should be a no-brainer for the government: the success of their pet projects hinges on the people that will oversee the completion of those projects; this makes them just as valuable as the project itself.

ISSUE 120

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EXPOSED:

By AISHA RONQUILLO

Abuse, epxloitation in construction industry When you have a relative who works abroad, there are certain expectations that come with it.

Monthly remittances, the latest gadgets, chocolates, tuition fees and extra money for holiday trips.

Often this is what is expected by the millions of Filipinos who have OFW relatives.

As the phenomenon of forced overseas migration has become commonplace, even young children automatically assume that their playmates with OFW relatives are better off financially. Not that there is something inherently wrong with this - but we need to ask ourselves: how long will Filipinos be dependent on overseas

employment? Are Filipinos destined to be OFWs for the next 500 years? Is it worth the cost?

For builders like Winston Lobaton, leaving children behind in the Philippines, all the while battling abuse and exploitation in the construction industry, is no easy feat. Sometimes this struggle can overwhelm financial imperatives.

Filipinos like Winston bravely try to maintain dignity in the face of it all, having to fight for their own humanity in a country they believed to be a greener pasture. As a father he says that he is happy to sacrifice everything for his family - but not at the expense of his own self-

HO M E C OO K ERY

respect.

In light of recent reports of Filipino builders being exploited in the construction industry, Winston provides us with an account of his own experience. He urges us to ask that, as Filipinos in NZ, how much are we willing to sacrifice in exchange for earning money and for NZ residency?AISHA: How did you arrive here in New Zealand?

WINSTON: I applied using an agency’s services last 2015, but I wasn’t cleared for the medical test. I arrived in July 2017. I shouldered the medical expenses.

Nothing was paid to my agency.

AISHA: What was your first impression of New

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WINSTON: My agency described NZ as a land of greener pastures; that once we started working there we could provide a good future for our families.

When I was still in Negros I was really hoping that I could become an NZ resident; it was only when I arrived in NZ that I learned so many things about the residency process.

It was also upon arriving in NZ that I learned that my current job did not qualify me for residency.

All of us migrants want to become NZ residents, no one wants to be on a Work Visa forever, let’s face it.

AISHA: Is your family in the Philippines?

(above:) Winston Lobaton - Migrant Builders Association.

Photo credit: Aisha Ronquillo.

WINSTON: My family is in Negros and I’m still supporting them.

AISHA: Describe your first job in NZ. WINSTON: My manager once asked me to work in the rain, sometimes there are no scaffolds on site, sometimes they shout at us to lift heavy items and equipment on our own.

I experienced harassment from managers telling us to work faster.

We have safety gear, but we are paying for it out of our own pockets, like gumboots being deducted from our wages.

I endured all that for the

next 12 months.

AISHA: Tell us something about this controversial pastoral care service?

WINSTON: I went through pastoral care. These pastoral care services are linked to agencies back home.

This service provided their own orientation and they were the ones looking for accommodation for me and my comrades; they also provided vehicles to use for carpooling with other builders.

There was a time that I spent $420/week for 3 months. continued on page 7

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www.migrantnews.nz : New Zealand’s first Migrant newspaper. Published since 1991. continued from pg 6

There was a time that I spent $420/week for 3 months.

Actually, my agency did not disclose to us that there would be pastoral care services; it was only when I arrived in NZ that I learned about these pastoral care services.

When I arrived we stayed in the house provided by them, but it was within their office premises. I didn’t think of refusing at that time because their services are very good: they fetched us from the airport, they looked for accommodation for us, etc .

Take note that there were no placement fees from the agencies, there were no contracts or documents that reflect the $420/week payment. I admit that I really jumped at the chance of going abroad because I really wanted to provide for my two daughters.

I was shocked upon learning about these pastoral care services and I know other Pinoy builders who went into overdraft because of these extremely expensive services. Are they even nec-

essary, given their cost?

AISHA: Describe your experience with exploitation.

WINSTON: I experienced exploitation and I saw it happening amongst my fellow Pinoys. I messaged union leaders to see if I could transfer to a different company and I asked them for advice.

My visa restrictions stated that I could only work for a certain company.

I was looking for another company that would support my residency.

I experienced bullying and harassment by managers.

There were times when I was not familiar with the tools, but my manager expected us to work at a faster pace.

I have been witness to many similar stories and most Pinoys that join my organization (Migrant Builders Aotearoa) are running away from bullying managers. I have reported so many stories of exploitation to government officials.

AISHA: The exploitation

against Pinoy builders is getting rampant. Would you agree?

WINSTON: Yes, it is rampant. I know that most cases are reported within the Auckland region, but there are so many unreported cases of Pinoy builders who are exploited outside Auckland.

AISHA: What is your advice for Pinoys who are planning to come to NZ as builders?

WINSTON: For those who are still applying, THEY SHOULD NOT EXPECT TOO MUCH. AISHA: What is your first advice to Pinoy builders who are being

exploited or abused?

WINSTON: My advice is that they have to reach out to the Filipino community.

Most importantly, they should join unions so that they will learn about their basic employment rights.

So many newly-arrived migrants come to NZ without knowing their rights.

AISHA: Do you have a message for Filipinos who are collaborating with exploitative companies?

WINSTON: They should be more compassionate about the plight of Pinoy builders here and they should have a sense of bayanihan.

Remember: we are all

immigrants in this country, at maski sila dumaan rin naman sa hirap when they first arrived.

AISHA: Do you have a message for the families of exploited Pinoy builders?

WINSTON: To keep their expectations in check. They should not expect that once their husbands or fathers arrive in NZ they will automatically have a better life in a month’s time or a year’s time, because this is often not the case.

Stories of exploitation should be given credit because they are true and it takes courage to report them, given our current circumstances. We are reporting

these cases despite the fear of losing our jobs.

Most importantly, they should also manage remittances wisely and value the money that they receive, because we did not earn it while lying in bed all day.

AISHA: Any message for the NZ government?

WINSTON: I am grateful that the NZ government is giving us this opportunity and we are very eager to contribute to the NZ economy. We expect to be treated with respect and dignity. We expect to be paid right.

AISHA: In your opinion, what should Pinoy builders do to prevent workplace exploitation and abuse?

WINSTON: They should be made aware of their rights. They should ask around and do basic research.

Some builders come to New Zealand with no knowledge of their basic employment rights and I recommend a mandatory postarrival seminar for all migrants, which can be conducted with the blessing of the Philippine Embassy, should they consider the idea worthwhile.

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ISSUE 120

MAGANDANG BALITA

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M A J E S T I C N E W Z E A L A N D C A L E N DA R

Ayla channels passion for photograpy towards social causes.

By MEL FERNANDEZ

AUCKLAND - It started out as a hobby “to immortalise the moment in photographs”. But now her passion for photogra2016 phy is taking Ayla Ayla Matencio Louise Matencio, 22, Community Ambassador of the Year to new horizons. She In recognition of her involvement in is using her talents to community projects and for being an generate a social beneexceptional role model for youth. fit for her community (photo:) Ayla showing her scenic calendar back home in the Philippines.

To achieve this goal Ayla start- Zealand. I also hope that people ed up a 2-month project to pro- who order the calendar overseas duce a 2019 calendar featuring will be inspired to come and New Zealand landscapes for sale visit our beautiful country.” to the public. Funds generated Ayla took up photography in from the sales will be channelled late 2016. “My photography to two worthy organizations in skills peaked in 2017 when I the Philippines. “I am support- made friends on Instagram who ing the Lumad community had the same passion,” Ayla through Aroha Migrante in explained. “I then decided to Auckland, because their schools travel around New Zealand to are being forcibly closed in photograph landscapes.

Mindanao. The other group is “In August I took a road trip in the Tagumpay ng Panginoon a caravan and toured the South Charismatic Community, Island for 8 days. That was when based in the Nuestra Senora de I took the photograph in Guia Shrine in Ermita, Manila. Cantebury which appears on the The latter group started welcom- front cover of the calendar. ing and supporting homeless “In February I photographed people in the 1990s. the Omanawa Falls in Tauranga “The secondary goal is to – one of the most beautiful inspire others to appreciate the waterfalls I’ve ever seen.” things we sometimes take for Her favourite photo in the calgranted - there are scenic moun- endar? “I have a thing about tains and spectacular waterfalls mountains – I seem to have a that are so accessible in New certain connection with them.

BUHAY NZ

The photograph of Mt Cook – the highest peak in New Zealand - which I took in August is special.

“Every photo has a story behind it. For me it is not taking a photo for the sake of taking a photo and posting it on Facebook or social media. For me taking a photo is immortalizing the moment, so that I can look at the photo 10 years from now and relive the memory of when I was taking that photo.”

To support this worthy cause please contact Ayla via her Facebook page: Ayla Louise Cyrene Matencio or text/call: 021 825418 .

There is no deadline as to when you can place an order.

But she recommends that you place your orders soon, because the supply is limited.

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GOOD DEBT, BAD DEBT

It is a fact of life that for one reason or another we may need to obtain a loan or to buy on credit. However, it pays to be informed of what we are getting into, especially the risks and benefits associated with it. It is necessary to have a nuanced analysis and understanding of indebtedness.

Growing up I believed that all debts were wrong. Just utterly wrong (this was my father’s influence). I have always thought that if someone owes someone else money, then that someone may be behind the eight ball (that was way too judgemental!).

For this reason I always paid cash on my purchases whether big or small and I refused to acquire a credit card until one time, after flying from Wellington to Christchurch, I needed to rent a car and the car rental company gently declined to lease me one even when presented with my debit card.

They wanted a credit card, which shortly after their brief explanation, made sense to me. However, in saying that, I use my credit the strictest way I possibly and reasonably can.

It is a fact of life that for one reason or another we may need to obtain a loan or to buy on credit. However, it pays to be informed of what we are getting into, especially the risks and benefits associated with it. It is necessary to have a nuanced analysis and understanding of indebtedness.

GOOD DEBTS Let’s make this simple. A good debt is a debt that boosts your net worth and improves your financial future. There is a clear purpose in taking out a good

debt and a carefully laid out plan of paying it back.

So, what are examples of good debts?

MORTGAGE. Well, everyone needs somewhere to live, right?

Most people buy a house not only to have a roof over their heads, but also with the hope that its value will increase over time, which usually is the case (unless you buy a home in the middle of a desert!).

Besides, rent is outrageous in some areas of the country.

Compared to other types of loans a mortgage has a low interest rate which qualifies it as a good debt. It also builds up equity which you can use to buy another property to start your investment portfolio, thus creating wealth, or use to fund your children’s education.

EDUCATION. Student loans help students increase their future value. Generally, it is easier for someone who finished a university degree to enter into a higher paying job than someone who does not have a degree. In simple terms, it increases your earning potential. It may be a big debt which takes a long time to pay back, but student loans (at least ones owed from the government like in NZ and Australia) are interest-free! And you only need to commence your repay-

By RHODORA PATTAWI-JAMINOLA

ment once you have jumped into the workforce.

BUSINESS LOAN. People have different opinions about taking out a loan to start or expand a business.

Because a lot of businesses fail in their natal stage, you can also meet a handful of naysayers along the way.

More often than not those who are successful can back you up in your plan to draw out a loan for your business.

The important thing to consider here is whether you are planning to start or expand your business; you must have a sensible and prudent business plan and have done your due diligence that will help you become successful in the arena.

BAD DEBTS Now let’s look into this.

Bad debts involve money owed to purchase things that quickly depreciate in value like cars, clothes, appliances etc. Bad debts commonly have high interest rates.

CAR FINANCE. While it can make you as high as a kite to be able to acquire a brand-new car, it may not be the best idea, especially if you are taking out a loan, for the sole reason that its value depreciates significantly the instant you drive it off the lot and continues to diminish over time.

If you really need a car, let’s say the public transport in

your area is quite disappointing, opt for a cheaper second-hand one.

Cam

McLellan’s advice was glued to my brain when I read his book, My Four-

Year-Old,

The

Property

continued on page 11

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MONEY MANAGEMENT

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Investor. He said: “when buying a car (while building your fortune), drive the cheapest car your ego can handle.”

PERSONAL LOAN. Generally people draw out a personal loan to consolidate credit card debts and other arrears that seem to keep them treading water. While a personal loan can be used for many purposes, it is considered a bad debt by virtue of its soaring interest rate, which can be as high as 22%. The latter may be higher if you have a not so good credit history or if you are opting for an unsecured loan.

CREDIT CARD DEBTS. One of the most expensive ways to borrow money is through the use of credit cards. Credit card debt has become one of the major causes of stress in our increasingly consumerist society. Some people tend to be oblivious to the fact that once a credit card is swiped debt is already incurred.

Like a personal loan, credit cards can be helpful in many ways. However, if you don’t

hold yourself in check with your repayments, then an unnecessarily high interest rate will further the balance due. In many cases the inability of some credit card users to chase their mounting debts results in their interest hitting the ceiling and becoming way higher than what is actually owed, thus piling on more financial pressure.

THE DOWNRIGHT AWFUL DEBT Hey guys, this is the ugly one, the worst kind, the most unfavourable!

CASH ADVANCE. Otherwise known as a payday loan, cash advance is a short-term cash loan in which a borrower writes a personal check held by the lender with a specific fee plus colossal interest. The borrower pays the lender on the next pay day or at an agreed time for full repayment. If this is not met, then the debt will roll over with even higher interest plus fees. The lenders are often described as loan sharks, because they usually charge up to 300% interest or in some cases 500% over a certain period of time. You must do your best not to fall

into this trap!

PLUS … THE GOOD THAT MAY TURN UGLY BORROWING FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS may be one of the easiest ways to borrow money, but it can turn out nasty and can ruin relationships.

Some borrowers turn to their kin and pals asking them for help to get through, while equipped with beautiful promises of paying back the loan at a specific time.

Yet that specific time is usually extended, or worse forgotten (usually by the borrower). At times the lender is reluctant to remind the borrower to make repayments, because it is just agonizing to do so repeatedly, especially if the latter is unwilling to meet his/her obligation. That is when heartbreak starts to cut through bonds and sometimes turns into prolonged squabbles.

The truth is that most people cannot pay cash with all their purchases, in which cases incurring debt is inevitable. In light of this we should endeavour to be responsible, controlled and disciplined as much as we can to be certain that repay-

ments are made on time. If not, even good debts can potentially become bad.

Richard Meadows eloquently stated: “Think of debt like a power tool. It’s incredibly useful in the hands of a skilled operator, allowing you to cut through all sorts of obstacles.

However, you'd better know what you are doing.“

“Think of debt like a power tool.

It’s incredibly useful in the hands of a skilled operator, allowing you to cut through all sorts of obstacles. However, you'd better know what you are doing. www.dorasthoughthub.blog

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P U C C B P NZ

GOLF

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TEE OFF FOR A GREAT CAUSE

By ELMER GALANG The annual NZPBC (New Zealand Philippines Business Council) Cup was held on 11th November 2018. There was no better place to hold this year’s NZPBC Cup than at the picturesque Howick Golf Course. It was a breezy Sunday morning with light rain when 44 players from all over Auckland gathered to compete for

this year’s cup. The breeze and light rain didn’t produce what was expected, but instead it brought intense competition amongst the golfers.

After 18 holes each golfer was treated with complementary drinks and a food platter to share with their mates while they talked about every shot they made during the round. This is the 19th hole where every golfer bonds with each other and talks

about what else - GOLF. The golfers who came up on top for Division 1 were Tom Edwards, with a stableford score of 43 (Champion), Alex Ferrera scored 41 (1st Runner-up) and Alex David scored 40 (2nd Runner-up). The winners for Division 2 were Yong Lee, with a stableford score of 43 (Champion), Anton Garrido scored 41 (1st Runner-up) and Iain Thompson scored 39 (2nd Runner-up). Other winners were Gabby Lansi

for lowest gross, who posted a gross score of 73, Ed Viterbo (Hole no. 9) and Nick Smith (Hole no. 15) for nearest to the pin and Mike Dutton for longest drive.

Indeed it was a successful event measured by any means. The tournament produced intense competition, a venue for camaraderie and supported a worthy cause! These were all made possible through the generosity of the tournament sponsors: Planet Earth Travel, Kiwi Roof-

ing, Forman Building Systems, Konnect Fastening, Carters Glenfield, Placemakers Helensville, Quality Restaurants Group c/o Ed Viterbo, JM Butchery & Foods, Mr. Andy Lu, Filipino Migrant News.

NZPBC partnered PGC (Pinoy Golf Club) Auckland to support SCOT Foundation in this tournament.

The fundraising during this event raised $330.

With this amount we will be able to support 17 children for a month.

PGC Auckland would like to invite everyone to the Auto Mechanics Golf Classic on 16th December at Redwood Golf Park.

For registration and inquiries please contact Elmer Galang at elmergalang67@gmail.com, CP: 02102685042.

www.travelgalore.nz • Travel Editor: melfernandez@xtra.co.nz

Delayed or cancelled flights?

K n o w yo u r passenger rights.

If a flight is cancelled can passengers demand hotel accommodation? If a passenger is sick and is denied permission to board the aircraft, could he or she sue the airline?

Air passengers have many rights under the law. The question is, how well does one know these rights?

Let’s dissect the Air Passenger Bill of Rights as explained by Civil Aeronautic’s Board chief legal officer, Wyrlou Samodio.

First, he noted that passengers need to be protected.

“Airlines might commit many mistakes, but passengers should not suffer from these,” he said.

While airlines have the

responsibility to inform passengers about their rights, Samodio said that the Supreme Court (SC) says that passengers should read the airlines’ terms and conditions on their offers and services.

“According to the SC airlines have the obligation to inform and explain to passengers the terms and conditions, including the restrictions, of their tickets. But passengers also have the obligation to read them,” he

emphasized.

Let’s see what the basic rights for air passengers are and give some examples.

1. Right to information It is important that passengers be informed of the specific details of airline tickets. It should be clear to him or her what kind of ticket he or she purchased — is it a regular ticket or a promo ticket?

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Know if the ticket is rebookable, reroutable, refundable, the ticket’s expiry or validity, seats available, the travel period and other conditions.

“Accurate information aids the passengers to make the right choice of whether they are going to buy the ticket or not,” Samodio said.

2. Right to service purchased • Passengers should not be considered 'late' or 'no show' if they are within the carrier’s cordon in the check-in area at least an hour before the estimated time of departure.

Samodio said that passengers must know that the extra two hours they are often advised to be at the airport is actually essential, since there might be long queues at the check-in counter. The Bureau of Immigration may also question some of the passengers' documents, so one really needs to allot extra time.

• A passenger who is considered 'late' may be denied check-in, but he or she should be directed to a rebooking counter.

• For international flights the airlines are required to open the check-in counters at least two hours before the expected time of departure.

• There should be designated counters for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and others needing assistance. Samodio said that these counters don’t necessarily mean physical counters,

For a tarmac delay of at least two hours (meaning your passengers are already inside the aircraft), the airlines should provide them with sufficient food and beverages.

The pilot shall give updates every 30 minutes.

If the delay reaches three hours, then passengers should be offloaded.

Photo courtesy of Qatar Airlines

because there are airports that may be too small to have additional counters.

What’s important is that airlines should give priority to these individuals.

“These passengers, however, must note that not all of their companions will be accommodated in the priority lane. Of course if they are with 10 people, for example, not all of them will be accommodated. A PWD does not need 10 people to assist him or her,” Samodio explained.

Especially for those who have booked their tickets online, they need to inform the airline staff if they need assistance or if they are PWDs. “It’s not always obvious if someone is a PWD,” he emphasized.

Exceptions to the right to board Yes, passengers have

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rights, but there are exceptions.

Among these are safety and security reasons, health concerns and nonappearance to the boarding gate.

Samodio said that a passenger who is sick but is not infectious should be allowed to board the aircraft.

In case of government requisition of space a person may be denied boarding. For example, if police authorities caught a criminal somewhere far away and they need to transport him or her immediately, then they can get the seats or space that they need. Note, however, that they should seek a permit first from the CAB before they can get a space. Also, they need to pay the passengers for the seats that they take.

3. Right to compensa-

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tion Are airlines liable for every delayed or cancelled flight? Samodio said that it’s not the airline’s fault if the flight cancellation was caused by a severe weather condition. Thus they are not obliged to provide passengers with hotel accommodations.

Passengers should note these rights whenever they experience flight delays: • For delays of at least three hours, whether or not the carrier is at fault, they are entitled to refreshments or meals, free phone calls and emails and first aid, if necessary. Airlines should also rebook their tickets (without additional charge) on the next flight available, or within 30 days.

They can also opt to

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refund the fare value, including taxes and surcharges. Passengers may also be endorsed to another air carrier without paying any extra airfare.

• For a tarmac delay of at least two hours (meaning your passengers are already inside the aircraft), the airlines should provide them with sufficient food and beverages.

The pilot shall give updates every 30 minutes.

If the delay reaches three hours, then passengers should be offloaded.

• If a flight was cancelled and it was not the airline’s fault (e.g. caused by typhoon, due to security reasons), then passengers may be refunded the value of the fare, including taxes and surcharges.

They can also rebook their ticket.

• For complaints regarding lost or dam-

aged baggage, Samodio emphasized that a passenger should first approach the air carrier to complain, as it is also the carrier that is responsible for their baggage.

“We follow the Montreal Convention. Under this, carriers are liable for proven damages up to 100,000 SDR (special drawing rights), a mix of currency values established by the IMF (International Monetary Fund),” he said.

He also highlighted that passengers must declare if they have valuables inside their luggage.

“Sometimes, to avoid paying duties, passengers don’t declare their valuables. Then they complain if their jewellery, for instance, is missing. How would the airline know if it’s true if they did not declare it?”

Meanwhile, Samodio reiterated that when we talk about the “right to compensation”, compensation does not automatically refer to monetary compensation.

“Compensation could either be in the form of cash, or in the form of entitlements such as food, vouchers, tickets or accommodation,” he explained.

He also noted that compensation comes from the airline, not from the government.

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WRITE FOR US? Migrant News Filipino News Pinoy NZ Life

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The paper is published as a free online resource with a print edition which is distributed nationwide.

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28th year of publication! .........................

If you have some experience in writing please join our team - we are looking for freelance contributors. email: migrantnews@xtra.co.nz or message via our Facebook pages: Filipino Migrant News Halo Halo NZ Pinoy NZ Life Migrant News

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"There is a growing awareness of migrant communities. Some of our primary schools, especially our rural schools, their population is as high as 50 percent Filipino." - Donna Favel, Ashburton mayor

By KATIE TODD, Christchurch Reporter, Radio New Zealand

Ms Favel said that the increase in migrants was especially visible in the rural sector, rest homes and service providers.

Ashburton District Council hopes that the language interpretation services will benefit both staff and members of the public.

It has joined 15 other

Donna Favel said that she felt that new New Zealanders were really important.

Ashburton district has about 34,700 residents.

The makeup is about 82 percent European and eight percent Pasifika, Maori and Asian.

Those three minority populations are expected

councils across the country using the telephone service Language Line, which offers interpretation for 44 different languages.

It also enables them to access language interpreting resources from Canterbury.

Community members gathered for the opening

of a new area in the Ashburton Domain, paying homage to the district's growing cultural and ethnic diversity.

Council Open Spaces Staff and Ashburton Multicultural Trust members have worked to raise seedlings and create an 'Om' shaped flowerbed, linked to Hinduism and

Ashburton opens garden to help welcome migrant population ASHBURTON - One of New Zealand's fastest growing rural districts is seeing a significant increase in migrants.

The council is taking measures to make the migrants who move to the district more comfortable.

Ashburton District Council recently unveiled new language interpreta-

tion resources for residents and a culturalthemed garden was officially opened in the town's domain (see photo above).

Both initiatives are part of a two year Welcoming Communities programme being trialled in the district and in five other areas around the country.

Ashburton mayor

to increase around New Zealand by 2038 Pasifika by 71 percent, Maori by 50 percent and Asian by 135 percent - but in Ashburton the increase is more dramatic.

Pasifika residents there will increase by 147 percent, Maori by 110 percent and Asian by 139 percent.

Buddhism and a border of flowers representing the Fijian-Indian cultural influence.

- Articled reprinted with permission from Radio New Zealand.

Photo features Thelma Bell (second from left) who is the first Filipino elected to a New Zealand council.

Reach the broader

Asian Migrant News

Asian market!

Filipino Migrant News

One-third of Aucklanders will be ASIANS BY 2021.

Time to reach this market!

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