PM defends Air NZ over worker wages 

Helen Clark has leapt to the defence of Air New Zealand as the company comes under fire over its wages for workers in China.

The airline is paying its Shanghai-based crew about a quarter of what New Zealand flight attendants receive.

But Helen Clark believes it's all about market rates, and says it's likely Air New Zealand workers in Britain make more than the workers in this country.

She says it's likely the airline is paying the going rate in China and the rate is fair in comparison to others.

The government has, however, asked the Department of Labour to investigate the situation.

But Tuariki Delamere, former immigration minister disagrees, pointing the finger at Air New Zealand, over the way it recruits Chinese flight attendants.
 
One former attendant says she thought she was being hired by NZ's national airline, only to find she was employed through a Chinese company at a much lower rate.

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