The two-day ninth annual Recognised Seasonal Employers Conference in the Bay wrapped up yesterday.
The conference looked at ways to support the RSE scheme, which brings overseas workers into New Zealand at times of peak labour demand and continues to be an integral part of industry growth.
Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana said the growth of RSE had put pressure on the local labour market to provide comparably skilled workers with flexible hours.
The Hua Initiative would fill 2000 jobs with whanau, thanks to a partnership between Ngati Kahungunu and local employers such as Mr Apple, Crasborns Group, Bostock New Zealand, T&G and Johnny Appleseed.
"The biggest impact for iwi is permanent jobs for whanau and we are keen to spearhead anything that supports that," Mr Tomoana said.