PM’s announcement on enhanced RSE scheme welcomed

Fruition Horticulture and McGirr Associates

Media Statement

For immediate release

PM’s announcement on enhanced RSE scheme welcomed

Fruition Horticulture and McGirr Associates have welcomed Prime Minister John Key’s endorsement of the pilot skills training programme they have been contracted to deliver to Pacific workers taking part in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme.

“As the providers of the pilot we are happy to be involved in a scheme which is making such a positive impact on the lives of Pacific workers as well as those in the New Zealand horticulture and viticulture industries,” Managing Director, Mandy McGirr says.

The goal of the pilot training programme is to increase opportunities and choices for Pacific RSE workers by providing them with access to English literacy, numeracy and financial literacy training during their time in New Zealand. The training is being funded NZAID.

Expected outcomes of the programme include improved budgeting skills among the workers, as well as increased remittances to the Pacific. Crucial to the latter goal will be the use of the www.sendmoneypacific.org website during training – which has been jointly funded by NZAID and AusAID.

The training involves up to 300 RSE workers from a range of Pacific nations and will be run on a voluntary basis.

The RSE Scheme provides New Zealand employers a secure labour supply they can utilise over successive years, while increasing income opportunities for Pacific Island workers. The scheme provides a “win-win” situation for both employer and employee, says Ms McGirr.

Training will commence with apple workers in Hawkes Bay this November and will then take place with kiwifruit workers in March 2010 in the Bay of Plenty and with viticulture workers in Blenheim in June 2010.

ENDS

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