Fiji and New Zealand Deepen Ties Through Strengthened Seasonal Worker Scheme

In a move aimed at deepening bilateral ties and enhancing regional labour mobility, Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Hon. Agni Deo Singh, met this week with senior New Zealand officials to reinforce the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme.

The visit began with a high-level bilateral meeting between Minister Singh and the Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the talks, Minister Singh acknowledged the long-standing partnership between the two countries and expressed gratitude for New Zealand’s continued support of Fijian workers under the RSE scheme.

“The RSE programme has become a cornerstone of our labour mobility efforts and a vital contributor to the livelihoods of many Fijian families,” Minister Singh stated. “We look forward to working closely with New Zealand to strengthen and expand this initiative.”

Minister Peters reciprocated the sentiments, describing Fiji as one of New Zealand’s closest Pacific partners. “Our ties are rooted not only in geography but in a shared Pacific identity and mutual respect,” he said, highlighting the RSE scheme as an example of a mutually beneficial initiative.

Further discussions were held with New Zealand’s Minister for Immigration and Education, Hon. Erica Stanford, who commended Fiji’s contribution to the country’s horticulture and viticulture industries. She noted that Fijian workers had consistently demonstrated dedication, reliability, and skill in their seasonal roles.

The meetings focused on several key priorities, including increasing Fiji’s participation in the RSE programme, addressing skills shortages, and exploring collaboration in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

The leaders also explored improved strategies for workforce development and worker welfare.

In a joint statement, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining ongoing dialogue and cooperation to ensure the RSE scheme continues to deliver economic benefits and employment opportunities for both countries.

The RSE scheme, introduced in 2007, allows Pacific workers to be employed in New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors for up to seven months per year. For Fiji, participation in the programme has grown steadily since joining in 2015, with hundreds of workers benefiting annually.