The latest survey of employers in the Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) scheme has found that almost half (45 per
cent) have expanded their business as a result of employing workers from the Pacific.
Business expansion has boosted employment in regional areas, with RSE employers hiring more New Zealanders from the
local community, including through Work and Income NZ.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Pacifica Labour and Skills Manager, George Rarere says the 2019 survey highlights the
positive impact of RSE workers on businesses and the local community.
“A stable seasonal workforce has meant more employers have been able to grow their business operations and put more
investment into plant equipment and offer job opportunities to locals,” Mr Rarere says.
“We’re also seeing that with the changing labour requirements, employers have improved their training and induction
practices for seasonal workers and are updating health and safety practices.”
Almost all of the RSE employers (96 per cent) agreed that the benefits of participating in the scheme outweighed the
costs, and 82 per cent of employers stated that a key benefit was being able to employ more New Zealand workers – in
addition to RSE workers.
RSE employers continue to rate RSE workers very highly in terms of dependability, productivity and enthusiasm. They also
stated that the majority of their Pacific seasonal workers this year were employed by them last year. The returning
workers typically helped with training new workers.