Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme

Body of Samoan seasonal worker to be flown home

The 45 year old married father of two from Sagone village in Savaii Island was thought to have suffered a heart attack.

He had been working at a cool store at Opotiki in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty.

He had worked under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme for several years.

The chief executive of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo, said the government was waiting for the coroner's report to confirm the cause of death before the body was flown to Samoa, where the man's funeral will be held.

 

New Zealand extends Pacific seasonal labour scheme

RNZ reports the RSE scheme will now increase by 1,000 workers to 10,500 for the coming horticulture and viticulture season.

The Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said the sector was forecasting an additional 2,500 workers would be needed for the upcoming season.

The RSE scheme allows people from Pacific Island countries to work in New Zealand for periods of about six months at a time.