Each year up to 8000 workers from countries around the Pacific Islands arrive in New Zealand for seasonal work.

Horticulture NZ says the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme continues to benefit fruit and vegetable growers.

Chief Executive of Horticulture NZ Peter Silcock says the scheme which was first introduced in 2007 helps overcome a shortage of labour in the industry.

“From a total industry point of view we’re around about 50,000 people employed around the industry. So I think for our RSE employers, typically RSE staff, they  make up 20% or less of the employees, so there are still plenty of work opportunities for New Zealanders that’s for sure.”

Peter Silcock says that the scheme is giving back to the seasonal workers communities by giving them opportunities that they most likely wouldn’t find back at home

“They see it as a real opportunity to do something better then what they’ve got in terms of using the money that they are able to earn here in a positive way for their community and their children.”

Peter Silcock says its about trust and continuity. He says one of the really positive things about the relationship with some of the villages that the RSE employers have developed, is that they go back to these villages and get more people from those villages

"Some of the people from the villages don’t want to come back due to family reasons, so they get someone else to replace them from their own community. That means that you’ve got a team of workers that work together well and know each other already, and that works quite well.”