Fiji, New Zealand Strengthen Seasonal Work Scheme

Fiji and New Zealand have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme.

The reaffirmation follows discussions between officials from New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the New Zealand High Commission to Fiji, and Fiji’s Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Jone Maritino Nemani, said the meeting forms part of an ongoing review of the RSE scheme to ensure it remains effective, fair and beneficial for all parties.

“The review is to modernise the RSE work scheme by addressing emerging challenges while building on its longstanding success,” Nemani said.

He said discussions focused on improving recruitment processes, expanding opportunities, investing in skills development and strengthening worker protections.

Nemani highlighted the significant social and economic benefits of the scheme, particularly for rural communities, where workers have been able to contribute to development through housing, water systems and infrastructure.

“Labour mobility must be treated as a partnership grounded in mutual respect, as labour is a human right and not a commodity,” he said.

He added that the scheme continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Fijian families and stressed the importance of maintaining strong protections for workers.

Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to improve the scheme and ensure it delivers long-term benefits for workers, employers and communities.