Immigration Minister signals major updates to NZ's RSE scheme

Changes to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme will be announced next year, according to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford.

After last year’s updates, she says more modifications are expected to take effect in June as part of a comprehensive work programme.

While specifics about the upcoming changes remain undisclosed, Stanford confirmed major adjustments are planned.

“We made some small changes last year, but there are many more changes to be made next year. And that’s a work programme that will start from June,” she says.

Last year’s changes included an increase of 1250 workers allowed into the scheme and a provision enabling employers to average the 30-hour minimum weekly work requirement over four weeks.

In its 18th year, the RSE scheme allows nationals from eligible Pacific nations to work in New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors for a limited time. The list of eligible countries includes Fiji, Nauru, Timor-Leste, and Tonga.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford. Photo/Supplied

Tonga’s Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Kapelieli Lanumata, is currently in New Zealand as part of his government’s commitment to strengthening the RSE scheme.

In an interview with John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Lanumata says he and his delegation have been meeting with officials from the Ministry of Business, Immigration and Employment in Wellington.

Lanumata also had a scheduled meeting with Stanford, but he was unavailable to attend due to prior commitments with the Tongan community.

Immigration New Zealand, formerly the New Zealand Immigration Service, is the agency within the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment that is responsible for border control, issuing travel visas and managing immigration to New Zealand. Photo/Supplied

Lanumata and his delegation visited RSE workers on a vegetable farm in Levin.

He says that around 100 Tongan nationals are currently employed at the farm, with the youngest being 21 and the oldest 34.

The experience, he says, highlights the need to enforce a long-term plan for the RSE scheme back in Tonga.

He says the Kingdom faces a major unemployment problem, significantly impacting young people.

While recognising the financial benefits the RSE scheme provides for families, Lanumata emphasises the importance of ensuring that the long-term plan aligns with the labour needs of Tonga and New Zealand.

Lanumata adds that it has been many years since a minister in his portfolio last visited RSE workers in New Zealand, and he hopes his trip will reaffirm his government's support for them.

Watch Kapelieli Lanumata's full interview below.