Seasonal workers scheme gets $10m boost

The scheme has provided workers to the viticulture and horticulture industries. Photo/File

The scheme that brings in seasonal workers to New Zealand to wineries and orchards has hit a big milestone and is enjoying new government funding.

The Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme kicked off in 2007, providing yearly boosts to the horticulture and viticulture industries by bringing in much-needed labour when no New Zealanders were available.

Many of the seasonal workers came from the Pacific Islands, and return more than $40 million to their home countries, which goes into improving areas like housing and education.

The 5000 workers in 2007 had more than doubled to 10,500 in 2017.

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee and Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse announced on Tuesday a $10m boost to the scheme over the next five years.

"In particular, the government will be exploring employment opportunities for Pacific women and develop prospects in semi-skilled, higher-income occupations," Mr Brownlee says.

"The new funding is in addition to $5m for the training of Pacific workers in New Zealand and forms a significant component of the recently signed Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus."

Mr Woodhouse said the seasonal Pacific workers were highly valued and were welcomed into the New Zealand communities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment partner to deliver the RSE scheme.

- NZN