The effect of the two cyclones which hit Vanuatu in the past two weeks has reached as far as Central Otago.  

Tropical Cyclone Judy made landfall on March 1 with Cyclone Kevin arriving two days later.  

Both were classed category four (the highest classification is five).

When RSE (recognised seasonal employees) Tito and Joseph landed at Auckland airport on March 3, they were told the devastating news that a second cyclone had hit their families on the islands of Efate and Tanna.

The two were part of a group of 20 workers on their way to Central Otago to begin their contract work for 45 South Cherries.

“We are here for seven months to work hard and send as much money home as we can,” Joseph said.

“That’s how we can help. It’s the only way we can help.” 

Ni-Vanuatu RSE (Ni-Vans) - who many New Zealand growers depend on to harvest, pack, and prune some of the country’s top-earning exports - are suffering being so far from home.

45 South orchard hostel manager Kevin McLevie is doing his best to keep the men up to date with news of the recovery.

“Some of them are from the areas affected, and there’s no communication,” he said.

“I’ve been cutting out news clippings and putting the TV on to keep them in the loop.”

45 South RSE workers relaxing on their day off (from left ) Katipa Joseph, Leonard Vuti, Kameron Biti ,Taso William, Tony Meltetake

Central Otago RSE advocate Annie Villiers knows first-hand how difficult the last couple of weeks have been for the workers.

Under the umbrella of Seasonal Solutions (a grower and contractor owned co-operative), she provides pastoral and practical help to their employees.

“I had a group of 29 men in Christchurch to fly home, and we got stuck,” she said.

Due to the ferocity of the cyclone, flights were cancelled, with no clear idea on when they would resume.

“We are forever grateful to the Commodore Christchurch airport hotel for quickly finding 15 rooms with no pressure to confirm exactly how long we needed to stay,” Annie said.

The group finally got a flight to Port Vila later that week.

The Vanuatu country liaison officer for the Ni-Van workers, Olivia Fleur Johnson, confirmed the New Zealand government has sent humanitarian supplies to Vanuatu following the two destructive cyclones within two days of each other.

The latest update from the National Disaster Management Office in Port Vila estimates that more than 58,000 children under the age of 15 have been affected.

PHOTOS: The Central App