New Zealand Winegrowers welcomes RSE scheme changes

New Zealand Winegrowers applauds the NZ Government’s commitment to increase the Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) scheme numbers to 20,750. The RSE scheme aims to support the horticulture and viticulture industries in New Zealand. The country’s wine exports are in excess of NZ$2bn per annum. 

Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, said: “The scheme has been vital to the growth of the wine industry.

“The changes announced today to boost RSE worker numbers will enable the industry to plan with certainty for future growth,” he said.

“We strongly support employing New Zealanders in the wine industry. RSE workers focus on the seasonal peaks, supporting our permanent workforce. 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 said.

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.

Image credit: iStock.com/Liudmila Chernetska