The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Jone Usamate, has lauded the exemplary record of the best group of Fijian seasonal workers in New Zealand.

These Fijian workers, who hail from Wayalailai, Yasawa, are employed under the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Worker Scheme.

This commendation by Mr Usamate comes after he received praise from employers Pick Hawkes Bay and R J Flowers, who are the two major Hawkes Bay-based apple producers during his tour to the farms, orchards and company offices early this week.

Pick Hawkes Bay general manager Anthony Rarere highlighted that the 18 workers were the best group in New Zealand because of their productivity.

“The first group from Wayalailai arrived in 2015 and we’re very happy with their performance ever since and with that we are looking forward to recruit more workers in 2019,” Mr Rarere said.

Sailasa Wai, 28, of Wayalailai said that this was his third trip to New Zealand.

He said he was already reaping the benefits received through this labour mobility scheme.

“Currently I’m utilising my carpentry and welding skills that I gained from Nadave for this company, but I will be joining other group members on apple picking when the season begins in order to earn more,” he said.

Mr Wai was able to save about NZ$12,000 (FJ$17,966) from his last deployment and was able to complete the construction of his house in Fiji.

Mr Usamate visited the Wayalailai Group at their Hastings-based apple orchard and was very proud about their good performance that has brought recognition to their families, vanua and to the whole of Fiji.

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