Slavery In Waikato - Dairy Farm SOS

Our story is not uncommon in the Diary Farm Industry sadly... only this time, as noted by the judiciary - this appears to be a precedent case to have challenged the owners this far.

We relocated from Taranaki to Waikato in hopes of making a new beginning with out 2 infants into Dairy Farming Industry. Between us we have 17 years' experience and the advice of my husbands brother who has won NZ Dairy Farmer of the year a number of years. His success has been to produce increased production and improvement of herd health and management. When we interviewed and accepted the position the farm owners stated they both needed operations and would need someone during the June-August period to work the farm.

Not long after we arrived we began the steady decline in the working relationship - beginning with the poor condition of the herd, poor fencing, poor paddock rotation (or rather lack of), cowshed issues, and unwillingness of the farmer to provide the necessary tools to work the position - such as failing to deliver a tractor and refusing to buy calf feeders, providing outdated product. The biggest mistake we took in this risk, was not insuring we had the finances to leave, and now finding ourself financially trapped. The house does not meet the building codes and the kitchen is in need of repair. But his is not unusual - some farm managers'/workers water is undrinkable, and we considered ourselves lucky.

We calved the majority of the herd and had began milking - enough for pick up! That is - until they came and took the milk from the vat (as seen in the photo's). Depriving us of ANY income. It has been 5 months. For those who are not familiar, the milking season starts 1st June and payment starts August/September.

So we dug our heels in and did our best. And despite working for 3 months - believing in good faith the milk in the vat would cover the costs we had to endure. Then when the milk was ready for pick up the owners decided we had no contract. We filed in Tenancy Tribunal. 6 times they attempted to evict us and we refuse to leave without pay. It appears to us they wanted slaves to work their farm whilst they mended from their operation.

They have not paid us for the work we have done nor offered to. Suddenly they would have the community believe we randomly drove around the country and selectively began squatting in their home, managed their herd, and worked their farm this whole time as free-loafers. Claiming we faked contractual agreements - all in a bid to avoid paying us. Despite the numerous texts and written instructions from them. Insane right? Well this is their defence in court.

The harassment we have endured to force eviction has been: gunshots with a mob screaming abuse for us to leave (the police did not attend & I had to file a complaint), daily verbal abuse and threats, photo's of our children, placing the whole herd (approx 400) cows on our lawn, wiring the gate so we cant leave nor enter the property, telling the community we faked our contract and we are squatters resulting in death threats, stalking, attempts to run us over with the vehicle, damage to our farm bikes, and turning off the power and water (which we had to get back on).

Yes we were bold enough to file our claim in court as we believe everyman should be paid for their work. We are not lawyers we are farmers.

How have we survived? Food bank, working for food/petrol and study link as a full time student as well. The children's Kohanga Reo have also supported the children, providing meals when needed. Not to say that was easy either - it took 6 weeks of 'paperwork' to prove 'income' or the lack of it to get any supplement entitlements - we had to promise to pay it back when we got paid for our labour... this whole dream to get ahead has been a complete and utter nightmare.

One would hope the courts are sympathetic to the law - that a man is no mans slave? Right? Not without a legal representative. Legal Aid do not fund civil matters - this being one.

Ordinarily I would do this myself, but the closeness of this is too personal for me and affecting my health, we need your support.