Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, during his recent visit to Hastings, New Zealand, met with 26 Fijian workers employed by RJ Flowers. As a family-owned company, RJ Flowers operates fruit orchards and employs Registered Seasonal Employers Scheme (RSE) workers from Fiji for fruit harvesting, packing for export, and orchard maintenance.
This visit is part of a series of regular engagements undertaken by the Fiji High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations. Currently, Fiji has over 900 workers participating in the RSE scheme in New Zealand, a significant increase from the initial group of 30 that started with RJ Flowers in 2015.
During the discussions, High Commissioner Kubuabola expressed his appreciation to the employers for their continued support and care for Fijian workers, noting that the partnership has been mutually beneficial.
He encouraged the Fijian seasonal workers in New Zealand to adhere to the terms of their contracts under the Registered Seasonal Employers Scheme (RSE).
Additionally, the meeting provided a platform for both sides to exchange perspectives on the way forward to further enhance the RSE processes to support the Fijian workers through continued consultations with the respective agencies.
HC Kubuabola assured the workers that their issues will be addressed accordingly, emphasising the importance of streamlining the processes in place, especially for those travelling from remote locations outside of Suva.
The Fiji High Commission in Wellington continues to work closely with New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) to monitor and evaluate the progress and welfare of RSE workers.
As part of the ongoing Duavata Partnership, Fiji and New Zealand continue to collaborate on the labour mobility initiatives that provide skills development and employment opportunities for the Fijian workers.