Pacific Voices highlighted at Recognised Seasonal Employer Conference

The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) event, ‘Voices of the Pacific’, hosted by Horticulture NZ at the Sky Stadium in Wellington from 27-29 July, received an excellent response from attendees. The conference brought together Pacific and New Zealand Government Ministers and officials, RSE employers and horticulture industry groups to celebrate 15 years of the RSE scheme in New Zealand. 

The event provided PCF an opportunity to strengthen its partnership with Horticulture NZ in highlighting the ‘Voices of the Pacific’ through the delivery of documentaries that were premiered at the RSE Conference. The documentaries provided a preview of the challenges and successes of seasonal workers who have come to New Zealand from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. 

The candid emotions and aspirations of the RSE workers as well as, the experiences of employers captured within the documentaries resonated well with the audience. The stories received an enthusiastic response for the authentic insights of the horticulture and viticulture eco-system and its people. 

The joint sponsorship between PCF and Horticulture NZ will eventuate in the production of a five-part documentary series. This will be supported by five editorial/opinion pieces in mainstream media. The series will contain additional information on the RSE scheme, discuss its future direction and highlight the ongoing significant contribution the Pacific seasonal workers make to New Zealand’s economy.  

Pacific Cooperation Foundation acknowledges the current review of the RSE scheme and welcomes this opportunity to support and assist Pacific peoples.