Gloriavale standoff!
Westland Milk's decision to stop collecting milk from farms owned by reclusive Christian community Gloriavale is heading for a showdown in court.
It says operational staff at its Hokitika and Rolleston plants are operating under strict New Zealand Government guidelines to keep themselves and the community safe.
Westland chief executive Toni Brendish said all staff essential to manufacturing and distribution were now working on Westland premises with the rest of the staff working from home.
Staff required to travel to work had been issued with authorised letters confirming their employment within an Essential Service to show to authorities.
Brendish said Westland’s partners and employees all along its supply chain, such as farmers, tanker drivers, manufacturing and distribution employees, were all working under strict guidance from the Government on social distancing and safety rules.
“We’re extremely grateful of the recognition we have received from all our employees and business partners of the need to keep essential services such as food production operating as efficiently and safely as possible,’’ Brendish said.
“The work they have been doing to support each other and the community has been outstanding.’’
