A group of 23 Chinese workers brought here to help with Auckland's construction boom say they've been left without work or pay and are now facing eviction from their accommodation.
The men are part of a group of 48 who signed contracts with recruitment firm, National Personnel Limited or NPL. But they say another man, Peter Li - aka Wenshan Li - brought the men to New Zealand and charged huge fees - between $40,000 and $55,000. Now the men say they've had trespass notices issued against them and representatives of the company have taken their passports, their food, their bedding - even the toilet paper. On Monday night, Newshub was there as Police came to the property after the company issued trespass notices against the workers. The men are refusing to leave because they say they've done nothing wrong. It's led to a standoff between security and union delegates, as they tried to visit Chinese workers holed up at a South Auckland house. There are 23 men staying there - some sleeping in hallways. "It's a disgrace. It shouldn't be allowed. But until we can find better accommodation, they shouldn't be tossed out of this one," says Unite Union national director Mike Treen. "It's unfortunate but that's the situation they're in. They have nowhere else to go."
Carpenter Jian Ming Jin told in some rooms seven or eight workers are living in the same room. Some just sleep on mattresses. It's overcrowded accommodation - for which they pay their employer $150 each a week.But living in squalor is the least of their troubles - most say they've had no carpentry work in the past five months and some haven't earned a cent. Jian Ming Jin, a carpenter of 37 years, told he hasn't worked since August. "I borrowed the money to pay the agents' fee. I have parents and grandchildren to support. "I can't bring myself to tell my family what's happened here," one man says. "I have no money. I don't know what to do." NPL wants the workers out, with their lawyer Nicholas Russell saying "they are unlawfully occupying a building and new accommodation has been found". But the workers say they won't leave as they can't afford to pay rent elsewhere. Mr Russell says the reality is "if they come to the country and work dries up, there's not much they can do about it". It also disputes the workers claims - it says minimum wages have been paid. As for Immigration NZ, it's investigating the agent, Peter Li. It also says that the recruitment company is also cooperating with investigations. Police told they're investigating and want to ensure the workers' personal possessions are returned. Mr Li hasn't responded to requests for comment. A Givealittle page has been set up to help the workers with basic costs while they try and find new jobs.
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Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.8% Nah - not for me
Morning Aches Are Optional - Let’s Start the Year Sleeping Better
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Here’s to starting 2026 waking up refreshed, because mornings should feel amazing!
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
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