Pacific Island workers returning to New Zealand for seasonal employment have become an increasing asset for the horticulture and viticulture industries.
A man from Vanuatu works in a Hawke's Bay orchard under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
In New Zealand's region of Hawke's Bay, there's an increased demand for Pacific workers contracted through the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.
The General Manager of Focus Contracting Ltd, Linley King, said the industries would not have grown as much as they had in the past decade without the involvement of Pacific islands workers.
She said the companies that hire the workers - who come from countries like Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands - benefitted when these people returned for successive seasons.
"They like to be able to relate to the boys, or girls. They like to be able to have and develop ongoing relationships.
"It's just the guarantee that they will be back again the following year or (there) are very few changes, helps them to manage their businesses a little bit better as well."
