Central Otago orchardists are pleased with the new changes to the Government’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced last week new changes that could be delivered quickly, reduce costs and compliance for employers, and improve flexibility for the RSE workers.

“Our government is committed to increasing the number of RSE workers over time in line with industry demand, while balancing the availability of New Zealanders and accommodation for workers. That’s why the cap on the number of workers is increasing by 1250 to 20,750 for the 2024/25 season.”

Other changes include employers being required to pay workers an average of 30 hours a week over four weeks. 

The pause on accommodation cost increases will be lifted and the requirement to pay RSE workers 10 per cent above the minimum wage will only apply to experienced workers, recognising their productivity.

Panmure Orchards co-owner Jeremy Hiscock said lifting the cap for the number of RSE permitted in NZ should have a beneficial flow on effect to all sectors of the economy, as it provides certainty to growers. 

He said changes to the RSE scheme were overdue “as growers we have had to absorb significant cost increases with record high inflation in NZ,” he said.

Summerfruit NZ chair and Cromwell grower Trudi Webb said it was great to see progress on the discussion points within the programme.

“It’s a positive for the RSE men and the local growers to ensure the programme is viable going forward.”

Further changes are:

• Improved flexibility for RSE workers to move between employers and regions
• Workers’ visas will be multi-entry during a season
• RSE workers will be able to undertake training and skills development not directly related to their role
• RSE workers will no longer have to be screened for HIV, aligning them with other temporary visa applicant requirements
• Timor-Leste will be included in the scheme

Most of these changes will be in place in early-September.

Further time will be needed to set up the infrastructure and processes on the ground for Timor-Leste to participate.

The cap increase fulfils a commitment from the coalition agreement between National and Act.

“These changes are just the start. The next phase of our work programme will consider substantive, longer-term options to further improve the wider RSE system and worker welfare settings,” Erica said.