Take time to say hello, wives urged

Farmers' wives and partners are being called on to show more compassion for migrant workers' wives and families on their properties by taking the time to say hello.

Timaru Multi-Ethnic Council vice chairperson Kate Wright says more kindness is needed.

Her organisation claims abuse of migrant workers is an ongoing issue on some farms in the region, with many instances going unreported by migrants who fear retribution or loss of their positions.

Mrs Wright said a conversation she had with a migrant worker's wife involved just three words from the Filipina: "I cook, I clean, I wait".

"Those words have haunted me for months," Mrs Wright said.

She said kindness was not difficult to deliver and while there were many instances of welcoming gestures from farming families, it was important all farm staff felt involved in the community.

Farmers' wives had a huge role to play, she said.

"It's as simple as going down to the migrants' cottage and saying to the woman: `What are your interests? What can I do to help you? What would you like to make your life with us more comfortable?"' Mrs Wright implored farmers' wives to take an interest in people from another culture who were living on their properties.

And she had a message for migrant workers here.

"We love having you here. There is no need to be frightened of our culture, and any instances of abuse would be dealt with firmly in this country."

Multi-Ethnic Council publicity officer Kate Elsen said farmers were often left to pick up the pieces and provide the basics for workers who were cold, tired, disillusioned and had difficulty communicating.

"I am ashamed of us," Mrs Elsen said.