Fijian seasonal worker Maria Turagakacivi under the New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Worker Scheme has been investing her apple picking earnings to finance her flying school tuition.

This was brought to the attention of the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations,  Jone Usamate during his ministerial visit to Fijian seasonal workers in New Zealand this week.

Ms Turagakacivi, who is originally from Naqali, Naitasiri, explained that it was the initiative of the Fijian Government that has enabled her to meet her goal and taken her closer to making her dream come true.

“This is my third engagement under the New Zealand (RSE) Workers Scheme and my only and foremost reason here is to work hard and invest more for my dream job,” she said.

“The tuition fee for flying school has increased from $60,000 to $100,000 but this has not put a stop to my aspiration and I am very ambitious about achieving my set goals.”

Ms Turagakacivi arrived in New Zealand in November last year for her third stint and will be returning to Fiji in May this year where she will be continuing with her flying school studies.

She is employed by R J Flowers, the biggest apple producing company in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Mr Usamate thanked Ms Turagakacivi for the effort she was putting in to meet her goals and encouraged her to continue working hard to pursue her dreams.

During the week-long visit, the team visited other areas including Queenstown, Blenheim, Alexandra and will also hold talanoa sessions with Fijian communities in Wellington and Auckland.

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