10 Jul 2009

Contractors discuss refinements to Pacific labour scheme

12:54 pm on 10 July 2009

About 100 fruit and grapegrowers and horticultural contractors from Northland to Central Otago have met in Taupo, to discuss possible refinements to the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.

The scheme replaced a seasonal work permit scheme in October 2007. It is designed to eliminate labour shortages by letting growers employ workers from the Pacific islands.

Horticulture New Zealand says a number of suggested refinements to the scheme will be discussed with the Department of Labour.