New Zealand Winegrowers says it applauds the government’s sensible improvements to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme.
The Government says it is revitalising the RSE Scheme and increasing the cap for the coming season in a bid to support the growth of New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries.
The changes to the scheme include:
- The cap on the number of workers is increasing by 1,250 to 20,750 for the 2024/25 season.
- Employers are required to pay workers an average of 30 hours a week over four weeks.
- The pause on accommodation cost increases will be lifted.
- The requirement to pay RSE workers 10% above the minimum wage will only apply to experienced workers, recognising their productivity.
- 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.
“The RSE scheme has been vital to the growth of the wine industry,” says Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.
“The changes announced today to boost RSE worker numbers will enable the industry to plan with certainty for future growth.”
Gregan says they strongly support employing New Zealanders in the wine industry.
“RSE workers focus on the seasonal peaks, supporting our permanent workforce,” he says. “These improvements strike a careful balance between making sure Pacific workers have well paid work and employers can access the workers they need, when they need them.
“We know workers come to New Zealand with limited time to maximise their earning capability, and the changes allowing regional and employer movement add flexibility to help them achieve this.
“We also support skills training so workers can return home with more than financial benefits, and that pay rates can now reflect experience.”
Gregan says multiple entry visas make sense, especially if workers have to return home for family reasons.
“We particularly welcome the return to the scheme’s pre-COVID settings by removing the accommodation cost restrictions and restoring the minimum hours entitlement calculation to a monthly average.
“We also welcome the addition of Timor-Leste, which we see as future-proofing the scheme’s central role in Pacific relationships.
“Looking ahead, the industry is confident that these changes will benefit both industry and the Pacific workers who play such an important role in New Zealand’s vineyards.”
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