Boss fuming as worker ordered home

If there is one thing Stuart Cushing doesn't want to be seen as it's a "whinging Pom", but having been told his employee has to leave the country is certainly making the builder a very frustrated one.

The situation doesn't sit well with Robin White and his family either. They have been told to pack their bags after 12 months in Timaru.

Mr Cushing and his family arrived in New Zealand two years ago. He decided to stick with his trade, working as a builder specialising in home alterations for those with disabilities.

He set up his own business and later approached a recruitment company looking for a suitable employee. None could be found so the agency advertised on line, attracting Englishman Mr White.

Mr White was experienced in the work and keen to emigrate to New Zealand with his family.

He said a staff member at New Zealand Immigration Services in London advised him to apply for a 12-month work visa, and then apply for a visa extension here.

Within months of arriving the Whites applied for residency. When Mr White applied for an extension to his work visa, he was stunned to be told he would not be eligible as there were New Zealanders who could do the job. The family was given two months to leave New Zealand.

Mr Cushing contacted Immigration Services and was told to contact Winz to find a new employee.

He considered only two of the eight people Winz recommended suitable to interview. One found another job, and the other lacked building experience.

Mr Cushing says his business is suffering as Mr White cannot work. As he sees it, Winz has been unable to find a suitable employee so Mr White's visa should be extended. Winz has no one else suitable on its books and has told him to advertise.

Mr Cushing says he finds it galling to be told to employ someone who might not be suitable, when he already has a proven suitable employee.

Mr Cushing also feels a responsibility towards the Whites, who always intended to live in New Zealand permanently. Their house in North London has been sold and they even brought the family dog.