In April 2024, it was reported by 1news that Southland dairy farm, Rural Practice, had employed three Indonesian workers in exploitative conditions. The workers were allegedly subjected to a range of labour rights violations, including wage theft and passport confiscation.

The Employment Relations Authority ordered the company to pay NZD215,000 in penalties.

In July 2025, 1news reported that the company was found to have obstructed employment authority investigations, including by providing incorrect receipts. Rural Practice has been ordered to pay an additional NZD10,000, and its owner NZD5000.

In September 2025, it was reported that the owner of the farm lost an appeal against the penalties.