Pipfruit New Zealand chairman Ian Palmer says there have been positive spinoffs for the families of Pacific Island workers employed in the Nelson region under the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.
The scheme, which is into its second year, aims to help fruit growers overcome labour shortages by allowing them to hire workers from the Pacific Islands.
Mr Palmer, who runs an orchard in Upper Moutere west of Nelson, says some growers are getting involved in projects in their workers' home villages.
They include building a kindergarten and water scheme in Tonga.
