Seasonal employer scheme improving: report

A report on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, which brings Pacific workers to New Zealand to fill horticulture and viticulture workforce gaps, shows while some difficulties have been presented, it has generally been a useful and positive initiative.

The Department of Labour scheme links workers mainly from "kick start" states Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Kiribati and Tuvalu to New Zealand to fill seasonal shortages, and has been running since 2007.

A report released by the department today shows the scheme improved from the first to the second season in terms of assistance and productivity gains to employers and general cohesion.

The first season involved 126 RSEs bringing 2883 workers out, and some recruitment difficulties were experienced due to the different aims of employers and the island nations.

The nations wanted to give as many of their citizens as possible opportunities to work in New Zealand, and priority was given to poorer citizens and those living in rural communities.

The report said employers considered the best results came when relationships were built with specific communities. Greater emphasis was now being placed on locally and culturally appropriate selection than on ensuring every individual had an equal opportunity to apply.

Selection criteria was revised "to make sure they reflect the needs of employers for cohesive work groups and the demands of the policy".

There were a few complaints from workers, particularly in Kiribati and Tuvalu, who expressed disappointment about earning and saving less than they expected, and there were also some complaints of rents being higher than expected.

Some difficulties were presented to employers in terms of providing accommodation, with some finding requirements to look after the workers outside work hours onerous.

An audit of wages and earnings, mostly of Tongan, Samoan and Vanuatu workers, showed the average net return per worker (less air fares, food, accommodation, transport and health insurance) over the period September 2007 to July 2008 ranged from $2871 to $11,869.

Employers said while there were initially some difficulties, workers returned more skilled and productive.

Most reported initial teething problems having generally been sorted out, with workforces considered reliable and benefits of the scheme outweighing costs. Some employers said it was too early to make cost-benefit assessments.

Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman supported the scheme and said it was delivering and constantly improving.

"The Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme is making a positive contribution to a sustainable labour supply in industries which have had many problems securing a consistent workforce in the past," he said.

"We hope stories of apples rotting on the ground for lack of pickers are now a thing of the past."

Dr Coleman said while the scheme was having success, it was important to recognise it as a "New Zealanders first" policy. The economic downturn had freed up the number of local workers available, and that had led to a reduction in the number and length of time RSE workers could be employed.

The Department of Labour has been allocated $500,000 over two years (2009/10 and 2010/11) to help Pacific countries develop and operate good RSE support systems.