A rally seeking changes to residency requirements for migrant bus drivers was disrupted by a confrontation in central Auckland, after speakers called for an end to racist rhetoric.
While interviewing a Migrant Action Trust spokesperson, 1News heard a member of the public tell rallygoers to go back to their own country.
A confrontation followed and security intervened. The 1News crew backed away as the incident escalated.
1News later saw police questioning and handcuffing one man. Police said they received a report of disorder at Te Komititanga Square at 4.50pm and took no further action after speaking to both parties.
Drivers and supporters gathered on Tuesday to seek a lower English-language threshold for residency and greater certainty over their futures.
Earlier, a Migrant Action Trust speaker told the crowd: "We demand fair wages, safe working conditions and the right to live without fear."
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford defended the English requirements, saying hundreds of bus drivers had met the standard and others had been given plenty of time to do so.
'I really love my job here'
For Filipino bus driver Jayson Zulueta, the dispute is about whether he can continue building a life in New Zealand.
Zulueta arrived in 2023 as operators recruited overseas to ease a post-Covid driver shortage. His wages help support his family in the Philippines.
He said the everyday exchanges with passengers – greeting him as they board and thanking him as they leave – make the work rewarding.
"I really love my job here."
But Zulueta said the English test was difficult and feared having to leave in 2028 if he could not meet the residency requirement.
Workers First Union migrant organiser and Union Network of Migrants coordinator Max Santiago said the rules failed to recognise the contribution drivers made.
"They’re good enough to work here but not good enough to stay," he said.
What are the requirements?
Eligible bus drivers covered by the Transport Work to Residence pathway can apply after 24 months of qualifying employment, provided they meet other conditions, including English-language requirements.
Applicants using a test to demonstrate their English need an overall IELTS score of at least 6.5, a PTE Academic score of at least 58, or the required result in another accepted test.
This is a standard used across several skilled residence visa categories, rather than a test specifically designed for bus drivers or healthcare workers. Some applicants can demonstrate their English through qualifying citizenship or education instead.
Drivers at the rally argued the threshold was higher than their work required.
Relevant earlier Accredited Employer Work Visa holders can stay for a maximum of five years. Those reaching their maximum stay would normally need to spend 12 consecutive months outside New Zealand before obtaining another AEWV, unless another immigration option allowed them to remain.
Santiago said that year away could effectively end a driver’s employment because operators could not be expected to keep jobs open.
He also pointed to the disruption for migrants who had brought partners and children here and would face uprooting their families again.
The union wanted a lower English threshold, the suspension of the stand-down period and an end to visas that tie workers to a particular employer.
Passengers also joined the calls for change.
Patrick O’Day said deteriorating eyesight meant he could no longer drive and relied on public transport to get around and visit family.
"If these people are good enough to work with us, they’re good enough to live with us."
'That's on you'
Responding to the residency concerns, Stanford said drivers knew the requirements when they came to New Zealand.
"When they were brought in they were told very clearly what the English language requirements would be," she said.
"They’ve had plenty of time to meet those requirements and hundreds of them have met those requirements."
She said drivers had been given extra time in New Zealand to improve their English.
"If there are some that haven’t, then it is upon them to make sure they meet the same standard as everybody else."
Asked what help was available, Stanford pointed to employers and opportunities to practise through everyday conversations.
"There’s lots of things that you can do to improve your English and if you choose not to do that, then that's on you."
Santiago described migrant workers as being treated as "disposable labour".
Stanford rejected that characterisation.
"No one’s being treated as disposable, everyone’s being treated very fairly."
– for more on this story, watch 1News at 6pm on your TV or at TVNZ+
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