The Government is modernising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, making it simpler and clearer to use while maintaining protections for workers and opportunities for New Zealanders.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the changes recognise the important role the RSE scheme plays, while responding to clear feedback that it has become too complex.
"The RSE scheme has been a standout success for nearly 20 years, helping meet seasonal labour needs in our horticulture and viticulture industries while providing opportunities for work and training for Pacific workers and supporting their communities,” Ms Stanford says.
“This win-win approach with our Pacific partners has been critical in meeting peak demand from New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors, which have seen annual export growth from $2.5 billion in 2007 to nearly $9 billion today.
Each year around 17,000 RSE workers come to New Zealand working for 207 number recognised employers.
"But over time the scheme has become more complicated and, in some areas, unnecessarily burdensome. We are making practical changes to simplify requirements, improve clarity and transparency, and strengthen protections for workers."
Key changes include a graduated accreditation system that recognises employers with a strong track record and more flexibility for workers to move between RSE employers in appropriate circumstances with additional safeguard for workers.
The changes will also introduce clearer rules on the genuine costs employers can recover from workers (such as transport, insurance and accommodation), giving workers and employers greater certainly about what costs can be recovered and how.
"These changes will help employers focus on their core operations, provide greater certainty for workers and employers, and maintain safeguards that ensure New Zealanders are prioritised for available jobs.”
Ms Stanford said work was also underway with industry and Pacific partners to update accommodation standards and strengthen pastoral care settings for RSE workers.
“We are supporting industry-led initiatives that promote best-practice pastoral care. Providing access to the internet will also be added to the prescribed standards, ensuring workers can stay connected with their families back home.
“Accommodation standards remain a priority for both industry and Pacific partners. Consultation on options for change is currently underway with Pacific partners and employers, and I expect to take decisions by the end of September.
The changes will be introduced in stages beginning in early 2027 through to 2029.
"These reforms will help ensure the RSE scheme remains fit for purpose, supporting Pacific workers, New Zealand employers and the horticulture and viticulture sectors for years to come."