The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) system allows horticulture and viticulture employers in New Zealand to hire up to 5,000 overseas workers to meet the country’s labour shortages, according to the NZPA.

The scheme has been markedly successful, and Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove said for the first time in years there were no labour shortages during the apple-harvesting period in the Hawke’s Bay and Nelson growing regions.

Last year 4,681 workers were brought in under the scheme, of which 78 per cent were from the Pacific Forum countries prioritised by the RSE.

Mr Cosgrove said the scheme would be improved using lessons learned since the programme got off the ground.

Changes being discussed include; improvements to pre-departure orientation for workers; enhanced pastoral care planning; allowing workers to change employers; a requirement for employers to disclose payments from workers; liaison officers; manageable health costs for workers and a good practice induction guide for employers.