Fijian recruits chill out in Rotorua

STEPPING OUT: Rotorua Unison workers (left to right) Alick Rounds, Michael Tang, Phillip Mabhena and Riteshwar Prasad took part in the recent 10,000 Steps Challenge. Photo / STEPHEN PARKER 191113SP4

Flying into a Rotorua winter was, understandably, a bit of a culture shock for a group of Fijians recruited by Unison recently.

"It's really cold in New Zealand," according to Michael Tang, a line mechanic who was one of seven skilled electrical workers hired from Fiji to work for Unison Rotorua about six months ago. Another six went to the Hawkes Bay branch, while one more is due to arrive in Rotorua in a couple of weeks.

Unison communications advisor Naomi Fergusson said the large number of major power projects underway, a shortage of people entering the industry and others moving to Australia meant the company was having difficulties sourcing enough skilled people to complete its programme of works.

As a longer-term solution, the firm has implemented a training programme but qualified and experienced line mechanics and technicians were needed in the short-term.

She said the company looked to Fiji because of the compatibility of its network and technology and the range of experience workers had acquired because of the islands' isolation and difficult conditions.

Mr Tang had been working for the Fijian Electricity Authority for six years but had always wanted to see more of the world.

His friends saw the Unison advertisement in the local newspaper and, as he was good with computers, asked him to email off their applications.

"While I was doing it I was thinking I should just apply for myself as well," he said. "They didn't get it but I did ... they were a bit angry."

After "five months, three weeks" in Rotorua, he has settled in and has every intention of seeing out his three-year work visa - and longer if he is able to.

He has already made a name for himself within the company, winning the Unison 10,000 Steps Challenge - an award-winning wellness programme where employees are encouraged to complete 10,000 steps per day.

Over eight weeks Mr Tang took a total of 1,491,146 steps - an average of 26,628 per day. But almost 50,000 of those came by accident on his birthday when he went for his first walk in the Redwoods.

"I got lost," he said. "So I just kept on walking ... Okareka Loop, Blue Lake ... it was the longest walk ever. I just kept on going." Eight hours later, he called a taxi from Spencer Rd to take him home - exhausted but exhilarated.

"I couldn't take it anymore. My legs just gave up," he said. "From that day I got really motivated to keep going."

So he joined the gym, took up Zumba classes and ran or walked to and from work - losing 4kg in the process. He's now planning to run next year's Rotorua Marathon, aptly sponsored by Unison.

Rotorua operations manager Richard Bailey said that while the Fijian recruits initially had to adjust to New Zealand networks they were now fully integrated into the Unison Rotorua crew of about 45 staff.

Ms Fergusson said as part of the settling in of the new employees, Unison held a family day at Te Aranga Marae in Hawkes Bay. Councillor Henare O'Keefe led the group through a formal pohiri, during which Fijian staff and families sang their national anthem.

"In the words of Henare O'Keefe all staff and families can now call Te Aranga their home marae and go and visit anytime they are in the area," Ms Fergusson said.

But Mr Tang reckons he's happy to stay right here.

"There's something about this place [Rotorua]," he said. "It feels more like home."