Kubuabola welcomes progress made towards Fiji’s inclusion in NZ’s RSE

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully and his Fiji counterpart, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola have welcomed the progress made towards Fiji’s inclusion in New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.

This represents another significant step for New Zealand’s relationship with Fiji.

At a meeting in Auckland, the Ministers noted that an agreement will be signed in Fiji on 11th December to set out the Seasonal Employer Scheme arrangements between the two countries. 

In a pilot phase of the scheme, thirty workers from Fiji will be employed for seasonal work in Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty and Nelson. 

McCully said that they look forward to the first placement of workers from Fiji in February 2015.

Ratu Inoke Kubuabola praised the efforts of departments in Fiji and New Zealand, and employers in New Zealand, to prepare for the scheme to take effect.

The Ministers noted that the scheme is employer-driven. 

It has a strong track record of delivering benefits to the New Zealand economy, along with income and skills for Pacific Island workers, their communities and countries. 

McCully said that Fiji’s participation in the scheme is consistent with the programme of re-engagement between New Zealand and Fiji.