Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2020 Tonight, we are them, except, it seems, when times get tough. New Zealand's our home. Yet they've been shut out with no word on when they can return. A bit frustrating when you see the movie stars or you see some of these America's Cup sailors come in. We can't get our staff back in. This farming family want answers, and so do we, so we go straight to the top to get them. People need to hear, and I know this is a tough message for people to hear... Find out what the Immigration Minister says next. Also tonight, doing right by the environment without spoiling the environment. You'd think the council would want to look at the big picture and what's happening to our planet. The pickle that is white roofs. Plus it seems we've started a kindness movement. So crazy. New Zealanders coming together, really. The Dunedin couple faced with ridiculous charges that got you fired up. I am so annoyed for them. Nobody should be treated like that. You've got to see what happened next. Stoked. (LAUGHS) We're` Oh, yeah. I don't know. My heart was just so warm. Tena koutou katoa. Welcome to the show. Now, here's a question for you ` what makes a home home? Hmm. So, let's say you've lived in Aotearoa New Zealand for years, you work here, your kids go to school here, you've got pets, a house. Does this make this country your home? We're asking because right now, there's lots of talk about letting New Zealanders return to escape the pandemic raging throughout the rest of the world. But what about the people who live here and work here but can't get back in because of new border rules? Gill investigates. (DREAMY PLUCKED MUSIC) It was a match made in heaven ` the wide open spaces of north Otago and an outdoor-loving South African family looking for a place to call home. We have birds. We have two cats, calves. Chook chooks. Chook chooks. For four years, they've embraced life managing a dairy farm. I love animals. They love everything about Southern life. (LAUGHS) New Zealand's our home. And it seems the feeling's mutual. Settled into our school and our whanau really nicely. Which brings us to March. They had to return to South Africa to renew passports. It was meant to be a two-week dash, but nearly four months on and they're still there. There's been nights that we cry. We don't know what's gonna happen next. They've been camping out in their brother-in-law's shed while their lives are on hold and their home stands empty. They hold essential work visas, working towards residency, so legally, they have every right to come back. But COVID-19 meant new border rules, and the government's shut them out. They've been given that visa by the government through a process, and it's that visa that's just` it's now really not worth the paper that it's written on. Hi. Can I have a long black, please? Yep. While immigration specialist Katy Armstrong enjoys her normal life, she's working for free trying to help others get back to theirs. That's like being, you know, shut out of your home without notice. And suddenly, you're still told, 'You can't come in, but you need to make an application to come in.' The Badenhorsts have made that online application five times ` each time adding more information, each time getting declined. We just got the decline on the last one. And what did it say? It's just a generic email stating, 'You have been unsuccessful. 'You have got no right to appeal.' All the while longing for what they've had to leave behind. I'm missing learning, cos it's easier to learn in a classroom. Yeah, I miss my job. I want to be there to see what's going on. It's important to me, you know? And with calving season getting started, they're important to the dairy industry. The 40 or 50 that we want back are highly skilled, and you can't replace people like that. We require four, five, six years' experience. You know, you can't just manufacture that up on your CV. And while their boss desperately wants them back... He's having to use staff from his second farm to fill in on our farm. He has to fill in himself. He can't afford to keep paying them while they're away. Now, we are sitting without an income. Though we're offshore, we're still paying our bills on that side. The kids' teacher says it simply doesn't add up. OVER PHONE: They're looking at filling positions in the rural sector, and I'm thinking, 'There's a family who have been here for three or four years, and they're stuck in South Africa.' You know, why can't we support these people getting back to the place that they've chosen to call home? And he's not the only one. Look, it's a bit frustrating when you see the movie stars, or you see some of these America's Cup sailors come in, versus one of our biggest export earners ` we can't get our staff back in. British-born Tom and Sophie are fighting to return too. Their home and highly-skilled professional jobs are in Auckland, but their life in limbo is in Bali. They're on their fourth rejection. We spend hours putting time and effort into each one of these exemptions, and to get a response sometimes within minutes that just says, you know, there's no appeal process and it's been declined, you just think, on a humanitarian basis, how can you possibly have reviewed everything that we've put into that? They went for Tom's 30th birthday ` terrible timing. And now, like many others caught out, they have no idea when they can head home. We don't need to be at the front of the queue. We know there are people who are in a lot worse positions than us, but it's hard to plan when you've been given no information. So we know isolation capacity's increased to 7000 places, but does that allow for more work visa holders? Fair Go went to Parliament, to the Minister of Immigration, to find out. Oh, we would love to have the borders open, and we're enthusiastic about creating opportunities for people to travel to New Zealand. But there's always a 'but.' We have to make sure that we do it safely. Uh, yes. We absolutely agree. But these families need to know what that means for them ` firm timelines, a chance to plan their next step. Instead... We have been given no indication by Immigration New Zealand or the Prime Minister. We know that they are working on it. For the last two months, we've heard the words, 'We are working on it.' Why are you still not giving them anything that's definite? We've had to prioritise other decision-making. That is something that we are working on right now. We've heard 'working on right now' for so long. How much longer is it going to take? And as I say, you know, we have had to work on the thousands of different matters that have come up. So, you've got the whole of Immigration New Zealand ` some very intelligent people there. How long will it take them to come up with a plan for sequencing? I'm expecting to get advice on it very soon, but, again` What does 'very soon' mean? It means 'very soon.' (LAUGHS) And again, you know, I absolutely understand` But do we mean days or weeks or months? This is the problem. It sucks to be the bearer of bad news. But it is part of the job, and finally... There is no plan at this stage to bring people on temporary visas to New Zealand in large numbers. I think it's fair to say that we are months from those people being able to return to New Zealand. That's tough, and even harder to swallow... Can you justify that New Zealanders could go abroad on holiday and then take up those isolation places on the way back? Well, of course, we're certainly discouraging people from travelling to places` But they would. ...where there is COVID-19, and we have that obligation. Are we not hypocritical if we say, on the one hand, we value people and that you are us, we are you, we are all one, but then, when it really came to crunch time, suddenly, you are persona non grata? There is a humanitarian exemption, but... We've set a high bar with all of the criteria. People who are in their home country, they have their family, their networks to support them. They're unlikely to meet that test. In South Africa, this farming family of five just have elderly parents on a pension for support. It's totally unrealistic. But so far, no exemption. So, at what point do you think, 'We've got to change plans?' We're already at that point. We can't do this much longer. Work, school, friends, house, pets. Their life is here in Aotearoa New Zealand. New Zealand has always been our plan A. You have to ask, is it fair they can't come home? Enjoy your evening. I don't know about this. It is a heartbreaking situation, isn't it? While the Badenhorsts live in limbo, they're still paying rent back here and still paying for their pets to be looked after by the SPCA, with no money coming in. So, let me get this right ` film crews can come in. They're considered essential, so what about dairy farmers whose lives are already here? It doesn't quite seem right, does it? Very unfair. No. Next up, we've got a sticky situation of a different kind ` how to do right by the environment whilst also blending into the environment. I like light colours. And Louise likes white houses. Unfortunately, her council does not. It's to reduce the impact of having a structure in the coastal environment. In other words, they want houses to blend in, not stand out. But what about sustainability? When you use white paint, it means it's going to reflect more of that sunlight. So who's right? Plus... Pay later options ` they're really popular. But are they actually a good idea? * Kia ora, nau mai, hoki mai. Welcome back. Now, you don't have to be a hardcore greenie to want to do right by the environment. No, every little bit helps ` you've got your recycling, of course, your cycling, which is different, or painting your roof white. That's right. White roofs can help cool buildings, making them more energy-efficient and sustainable. Which sounds like a whole lot of good news. However, there's a catch. Thermal dynamics is best explained in a hot suit on a hotter day. It's a fancy term for the sun's heat absorbing. On this occasion, it's going right into my clothes. So... You get in to cool off. Now you're cold. And then, according to my kids you lie down on the hot concrete to warm up. That's thermal dynamics ` heat being absorbed from the sun. That's exactly the reason why Louise Pine has invited me for a cup of tea... Enough? ...in her kitchen,... ...walk sideways around to get to places. ...which is in her garage. I use the crock pot a lot cos I don't have an oven. Tea is taken in the lounge/bedroom. It's where Louise is managing her renovation. I like light colours. We're here because Louise has a white roof and she wants to replace it... with another white roof. Seashell ` that's nice and light. But white is banned. When they make these rules, you wonder... why. The Thames-Coromandel District Council is trying to stop what it already has ` a kaleidoscope of colours blotting the landscape. Like houses really in front of us. But Louise reckons people at sea aren't going to worry about a white roof. They don't care. They're out there to fish. They are not there to look at the houses that are on the hill. The council's rules are that new and renovated coastal buildings must be dark. It's to reduce the impact of having a structure in the coastal environment. Jo-Anne Cook-Munro says darker colours are considered less obtrusive. The reflective nature has to be less than 25%. They measure it using reflective rating. Louise was curious... I just typed in 'white roofs.' and a little frustrated. And then, all that came up. Louise Pine accidently stumbled on to a global movement. Came up with all the stuff in New York and in the states and what they're doing. The theory behind a white roof is simple ` the sun's heat bounces off white buildings, while black buildings absorb the heat, and that means you need more energy to cool your home. Tin roofs ` that's a no brainer. When you use black paint, it means the absorption is going to increase. When you use white paint, it means it's going to reflect more of that sunlight. Dr Nilesh Bakshi is from the School of Architecture at Victoria University. He thinks banning white buildings is wrong. His golden rule is... Form follows function, which means that the form must be dictated by the function it has to provide. Overseas, in big urban centres, the evidence is more compelling. If you look at metropolitan cities like New York, you have got nothing but concrete roofs, concrete buildings, glass towers. These buildings are absorbing heat, radiating heat, and increasing the temperature in these urban centres. That's why in New York, they've been painting roofs for years. This is the hottest part of the city of Los Angeles. And in California, they started painting roads white. The hot sun beats down on the black asphalt, creates this heat island effect, and ultimately, we are all the victims of that. In New Zealand, many coastal areas have banned white. The rules are based on this. It's a New Zealand coastal policy statement. It was written by the Department of Conservation 10 years ago. The document puts the priority on aesthetics, namely preserving the natural character of the coastal environment. Yeah, the coastal policy statement ` I call it the bible. Back at the council... Is there any reason, apart from aesthetics, why Louise can't have a light house? Um,... At the moment, the darker colours apply in the coastal environment for a reason. We are basing that on best practice. Jo-Anne Cook-Munro from the Thames Council readily admits the benefits of white wasn't considered when it was banned. Until we heard from Fair Go, I wasn't aware that there was a white roof movement. But... The rules aren't changing anytime soon. Well, I think they need another school, eh? It's all too late for Louise Pine, who will follow the rules. You'd think the council would want to look at the big picture and what's happening to our planet. So, before it gets too hot, is it time to reconsider white? Now, I know what you're thinking ` firstly, what a great swimwear model. You're welcome. Secondly, surely in winter, black roofs or black homes suck in the heat. What a great idea! Not a good idea, cos the heat doesn't stay, cos the houses aren't built to retain that heat. So Dr Bakshi says you've got to go with a white roof. That's very interesting. Now, we're working on a story about how you know when something is New Zealand made, and we would love your help. Can you send us videos or photos of things that you've bought that you're confident are made in New Zealand? And we can put the best of them to the test. Ooh, this could certainly open up a can of worms or two. So could our next story. Are finance options like Afterpay or Oxipay really a good idea? All of a sudden, that $1000 flat-screen can end up costing $1250. We've got the tips you need to know to avoid getting into money trouble. Pay later options ` they're really popular. But does that mean they're good for you? Then later... That's crazy. That's really crazy. You guys have done it again ` turning a bad situation into something kind of wonderful. So crazy. It's New Zealanders coming together, really. MAN: Well, will it be grown by businesses? WOMAN: I reckon you could grow your own. MAN: Could anyone who wants to buy it? MAN: But what's the age limit meant to be? MAN: Isn't medicinal already legal? WOMAN: Oh. I hear it has nothing to do with medicinal. WOMAN: Oh, is that right? My girlfriend's brother said that that was completely... Have questions about the upcoming cannabis referendum? Visit... * Kia ora, nau mai, hoki mai. Welcome back. Now, this may not come as a surprise to many of you, but ` shock horror ` shopping can be addictive. Yes. It's actually scientifically proven that when you're even thinking about buying something new, you get a hit of dopamine. That's the brain chemical responsible for pleasure. What's your late-night shopping guilty pleasure? (LAUGHS) I'm camera gear myself, and Liverpool tops. What's your` Mine would be clothes and shoes. Ah, yeah. Definitely. Can't beat shoes. We're not here to ruin that buzz, but it is a high that can come crashing down pretty quickly if you're spending money you don't actually have. Fortunately, there are ways you can get something new and not break the bank. # Money. # Money. In these times of economic hardship, you might not be particularly flush with cash. So what sort of finance options are out there? Buy now, pay later schemes are increasingly popular ` the likes of Afterpay, Oxipay or Laybuy. That's 'Laybuy' with a U, different from a traditional lay-by, in that you get to take your items with you straight away. Pay later options ` they're really popular, and when they're used properly, they're actually a great way to get something now and spread out that cost. So it's a tick for them, but there are some warnings ` Don't take on more than one at a time. So, you go into a store, you spend $25, and basically, you're going to make four payments up to $100, right? So that sounds all doable. I can make` You know, I can pay $25 now and I'll be able to make` that's $25 later. But it feels like whatever you're buying is just that $25, and so, you're like, 'Oh, actually, why not buy a little bit more?' OK. So then, you get a second thing, OK? And so now, you're spending $50. Might still be manageable, but all of a sudden, you're on the hook for $200, OK? So that has jumped quite significantly. Oh, and watch out for those late fees. If you're not making those payments on time, you can really get stung with $10 at a time, but they can really add up, almost as much as 25% of whatever it is you've bought. So all of a sudden, you know, that $1000 flat-screen, or something like that, can end up costing $1250. If your need for a quick buck means you consider short-term financing or payday lenders, there are all sorts of red flags. Even with the government announcing new limits on how much interest lenders can charge, it can still be pretty wild out there. That is actually a really expensive way to borrow, and so, people end up paying huge amounts more for something than they would really need to. It's basically like dragging this huge weight behind you financially. The good news is there are other options. Because of the pandemic, there have been lots of other options that are available to people in terms of their borrowing, and we're talking about interest-free borrowing from companies like Good Shepherd, for example, which have a no-interest loan scheme, or very low-interest loans which are available to people in order to help them get through this time. Feedback. A) great series, B) I thought all those Afterpay things were no good. No. No, not at all. Look, there's some really good help and advice out there. Sorted.org.nz is a really good place to start. And speaking of advice, next week, we're going to share your best ways to save money, so do look out for that. Right. Our story on the Dunedin couple who got into a battle with a property management company got lots of you fuming last week. But some of you took that anger and turned it into something positive. Gill explains. I was absolutely appalled when I saw the story about Amber and Izzy and Click Management. Nobody should be treated like that. My husband and I feel this is horribly unfair, even if it is legal. Well, did we ever hit a nerve! Our story on the young Dunedin couple paying ridiculous charges for a rental they never lived in got lots of you seeing red. I am so annoyed for them. This is shameful! That's so un-Kiwi. But what happened next is very much Kiwi. I can't let it pass without offering to help. My husband and I still have a mortgage, but I'd like to help Amber and Izzy pay this stupid debt. I would like to contribute to go a little way towards their burden. Talk about the kindness of strangers. Oh my gosh! Wow! Holy! BABY: Woweee! Yeah, it's insane, isn't it?! And it doesn't end there. After our story went to air... A $2000 bill wrapped up in under an hour. I cried. Amber cried. The couple not only felt better... It made us feel good for everyone else to know` feel like that we weren't in the wrong. It made us feel good as well. It validated it a wee bit as well. But also, the debt collectors told them to forget about the rest of their bill. Stoked. (LAUGHS) We're` Oh. It's awesome. I don't know. My heart was just so warm. It was just really nice hearing what he was saying and knowing that we just don't have that debt. So in the future, when we, you know, have saved enough for a house, it's not going to be as hard as what it may have been. That's life-changing. Take a bow, Aotearoa New Zealand. Thank you. Thank you. Bye! Aw. I feel quite a bit emotional, welling up a little bit having watched that. So lovely. What amazes me is just how kind and generous our audience is. Let's just keep it going. Yes. Well, for the deserving people at least. Yes! Next week, we investigate a scoundrel who's got homeowners across Northland forking out big bucks for a solar system that's yet to see the light of day. So, I'm not impressed with them, and I don't like not being impressed with people. I like to believe in their integrity, as I say, but I can't. I feel quite disillusioned in this particular situation as a result. Whoo! You won't want to miss that. You do not. Speaking of which, if you only caught part of the show, you can catch all of it, plus past episodes and some handy consumer information, on the Fair Go page on TVNZ OnDemand whenever you want, because we're always here to help. Cos guess what? Our programme is all about you at home, sitting on the couch, watching TV. We can help you with your consumer headaches and heartbreaks, whether they're big or small, something in the middle-size there. Please get in touch. That's right. We're on Facebook and Instagram. You can go to our webpage ` tvnz.co.nz. You can email us ` fairgo@tvnz.co.nz, or write to us ` P.O. Box 3819 Auckland, 1140. That's right. Pippa will answer all your questions in letter form personally. (LAUGHS) Thank you for watching. Until next week,... BOTH: Po marie. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2020