Dear Editor, four years ago, I travelled to the Philippines to meet and interview needed employees for our businesses.

Our small business had to cover costs to do the above, agent fees for Philippine employee recruiters as well as an agent based in the Cook Islands, airfares, accommodation, etc.

We then endured multiple visits and stressful meetings with Cook Islands Department of Immigration to finally get the employees to the Cook Islands.

We gave them (expat workers) an economic opportunity to support their families and in return grow our businesses and the economy of the Cook Islands.

All our employees extended their contracts and we’re all happy.

Covid comes along with all its problems and the New Zealand Government happily hands out visas to their businesses to poach our employees. I am talking about multi-million dollar businesses who could easily afford to do what I had to do plus pay for quarantine for foreign employees upon arrival in New Zealand.

Personally, I can’t blame our workers for being attracted to the opportunities in New Zealand.

My disappointment is:

1. Why can’t the New Zealand Government send planes to the Philippines to recruit workers for their industries. There are millions praying daily for job opportunities. (New Zealand have the planes and all the resources)
2. I’m sure there are thousands of Samoans who would love the opportunity to work in New Zealand. Samoa is Covid free, less distance and costs for Air New Zealand to fly to and pick up workers.
3. Countries throughout South America have huge employment problems and would happily welcome jobs in New Zealand.
4. Why can’t the New Zealand Government put an end to lazy New Zealanders living off the unemployment benefits and send them to fill these positions. Have some pride and earn their livelihood!
5. The New Zealand Government give the Cook Islands some financial aid with one hand and then kill our businesses with the other.

The New Zealand Government created my businesses employment problems, stress and imminent financial ruin.

Can they please advise how they will rectify the problem they’ve just created?

Yours sincerely,

Ellena Tavioni