Boss can't find worker to replace Brit

Timaru businessman Stuart Cushing has not found himself a new employee.

And his former employee, a man he would happily still be employing, still hopes to convince Immigration Services he should not have to leave New Zealand. The problems started for Mr Cushing and his employee of one year, Robin White, a month ago when Mr White was told his year-long work permit would not be renewed.

Mr White and his family came to New Zealand from Britain for the start of what they expected to be a new life.

Mr Cushing had advertised a job vacancy, Mr White had applied, and the pair had worked together successfully.

The problems started when Mr White applied for his work permit to be extended.

It was not renewed as the Immigration Service believed there were New Zealanders available to take up the position, which involved carrying out building alterations for those with disabilities.

Winz has been unable to find a suitable employee for Mr Cushing.

He then advertised the vacancy, but of the four or five who applied, none wanted to work fulltime. As Mr Cushing does not have all the skills required to carry out the alterations himself, he is considering closing his company.

Mr White has contacted Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew and Immigration Services to investigate options that would enable him to get a new work permit. That permit would also allow his family to remain in New Zealand after January 20.

- © Fairfax NZ News