7 November 2024
Ref: DOIA-REQ-0005060
Anu Kaloti
Email:
[FYI request #28721 email]
Tēnā koe Anu
Thank you for your email of 10 October 2024 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:
We have been made aware of several accredited employer work visa holding employees of A1 PLASTER
BOARD LIMITED (company number 8044153, NZBN 9429048417921) who have been allegedly exploited
by the aforementioned employer. This company was put into liquidation on 18 June 2024. We are also
aware that the director of this company has moved to another country in the last few days to avoid
responsibility of the liquidation process. The exploited migrant workers have been left with no pathway
for justice.
The employees' complaints of exploitation have been upheld. That generally means the employer is likely
to be investigated by MBIE and any other relevant government agencies.
Please provide:
1) Details of the investigation conducted
2) Outcome of the investigation including delivery of employees' entitlements and consequences for the
employer
3) Reasons for not investigating the employer if that is the case
Our Response
MBIE has received an allegation about A1 Plaster Board Limited which has been assigned an investigation
number and is waiting for allocation. As such, there is no outcome of an investigation or reasons for not
investigating at this time. We are unable to provide any further information while there is an open
allegation as doing so could compromise the integrity of any future investigation and impact those
involved.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information
about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800
802 602.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, please contact
[email address].
Nāku noa, nā
Jason Perry
National Manager Investigations
Immigration Compliance and Investigations