The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Hon. Semi Koroilavesau ended the Northern Road show on a high note following the visitation of 4 Tikinas (Districts) in the Bua Province.
He highlighted that the seasonal work scheme and programme both for New Zealand and Australia does not require any skills or attainment of any qualifications to be eligible.
“Anyone wishing to be part of this pilot project under the New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Work Scheme and Australian Seasonal Worker Programme, must reside in an isolated rural area with experience in agricultural farming,” Minister Koroilavesau said.
“All we need is a letter from the Turaga-ni-Koro confirming that you have a well-established agricultural farm in your village or confirmation from the Council for rural settlement dwellers.
“Those in the urban settings wishing to be part of this pilot project must reside in the village for at least a year and prove that he or she has a well-established agricultural farm.”
The Minister for Employment is expecting to receive three (3) nominees from each village in the respective Tikinas and encourages those that are not part of the three nominations to register their interests in case nominated clients fail the required assessment.
Tikinas that were not visited by the ministerial team are also requested to register their three nominations with either the Labasa or Savusavu National Employment Centre Office under the Employment Ministry.
Minister Koroilavesau is also seeking the assistance of the Turaga-Ni-Koro, Village Chiefs, Church Talatala/Representatives, Roko Tui and District Offices to work together in the selection of potential workers from the respective villages in their Tikina for the successful roll out of the seasonal work scheme and programme.
The Employment Minister urged all Tikinas in the Northern Division to submit their nominations before the day of the assessment and also reminded them on the need to submit the relevant documentations required for registration.
The new recruitment and selection criteria will also create competition amongst Tikina Councils.
The ministerial team met with community members of Tikina Namalata, Daria, Nadi and Vuya on Saturday (13/08/16).