"Concerns immigration policies eroding RSE workers' rights - unions", 4 March 2025

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There were close to 9000 workers in Aotearoa under the Recognised Seasonal Employer, or RSE scheme, at present.

They came from Pacific Island nations like Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa and were a vital part of the horticulture workforce.

But unions were concerned the coalition Government's new immigration policies were eroding migrant workers' rights.

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The Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said recent changes to the RSE schemefrom September, like increasing the cap to 20,750 workers, was driven by increased demand from employers wanting more workers.

...co-convener for Workers' First Union's Pasefika Fono, Antonia Lili'i said there was little accountability from the home countries once their citizens have left for New Zealand.

She said any blame for exploitation was shared by both the host and home countries.

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She said they would love policymakers to think of how to provide protection to RSE workers.

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