7 Jul 2017

Tuvalu PM seeks to expand employment opportunities in NZ

9:31 am on 7 July 2017

Tuvalu's prime minister said he would like to see the sectors of employment available to his people in New Zealand expanded.

Tuvalu Enele Sopoaga

Tuvalu's Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana

Enele Sopoaga is in New Zealand for a Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme conference in Blenheim.

Tuvalu currently provides 81 seasonal workers to New Zealand's horticulture and viticulture sectors.

Mr Sopoaga said he would like this to change with more opportunity for skilled workers.

He said Tuvalu has skilled workers whose experience New Zealand industry is looking for.

"I know there are New Zealand companies that need additional hands of seafarers, qualified well-trained seamen. That we can provide."

"Maybe also an extension of the scheme to other sectors as well - construction, building in New Zealand. We do have good and capable young workers in that area as well."