2 Sep 2013

Polynesian leaders resolve to increase seasonal workers' quotas

7:02 am on 2 September 2013

The Polynesian Leaders Group has resolved to push to increase quotas of seasonal workers in Australia and New Zealand.

The group met in Auckland on Friday for their third annual meeting, and elected French Polynesia President Gaston Flosse as the new chair, based on alphabetical rotation.

The group agreed to expand sectors covered by the schemes, including construction trades and agriculture.

The group also resolved to increase labour mobility between their own countries.

The idea of a Polynesian Pass was also considered, to allow greater flexibility and mobility of people throughout the islands.

The polynesian leaders also noted the resolution adopted by the French Polynesia Assembly reaffirming the democratic choice of its population to remain the strongly autonomous overseas country that it is.

President Gaston Flosse offered to host next year's PLG meeting, and moved a motion that leaders embrace Polynesian peoples affected by climate change.

Mr Flosse will table such a motion at the Pacific Islands Forum this week in the Marshall Islands.