At the Summerfruit New Zealand conference in Auckland last night, Minister of Immigration Jonathan Coleman said the country’s government would continue to support the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.
The RSE scheme has been a boon to New Zealand’s producers, who had been facing shortfalls in labour over the peak picking months prior to its establishment.
It allows registered employer to recruit workers from five Pacific Island nations for seven months at a time, reported Voxy.co.nz.
Having adequate pickers has helped New Zealand’s export-focused horticulture industry improve quality, according to HortNZ CEO Peter Silcock.
“It is simply a case of being able to pick an apple when it is meant to be picked, not a week before, or a week after. Pick it at its best and it will store better, travel better and look better on the shelf,” he said.
“We have growers who are now experiencing a stability and security in their businesses that they have not known before. RSE is increasing productivity to an unprecedented level.
“That stability is creating the confidence for the industry to invest in new plantings and innovation that creates more full time positions for Kiwis.”
With unemployment in New Zealand rising in response to the global economic downturn, Mr Silcock emphasised the RSE scheme did not take precedence over New Zealanders seeking work.
“Our industry is committed to a ‘New Zealanders first’ approach. There is no way these policies will replace Kiwis who are willing and able to do the job when and where we need them.”
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