The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations will be sending to New Zealand the largest single number of seasonal workers to leave at one time.

This is the first time that 82 Fijian workers will leave at one time to work in New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.

The workers received their pre-departure certificates yesterday to work for Apata and Eastpack New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

Fifty six of the workers have been recruited by RSE employer Eastpack Limited and 26 by Apata Group Limited.

Out of the 56 workers for Eastpack, 28 are new workers and 28 are returning workers. Out of the 26 workers for Apata, six are new workers, and 24 are returning workers.

First-time seasonal worker, Pauliasi Karikaritu was very appreciative to both New Zealand employers and the Fijian Government for providing this job opportunity.

“We are indeed grateful especially for us from tikina Rewa to be able to represent our villages is a blessing. We thank the Fijian Government and the employers for providing us this employment opportunity. We also thank the National Employment Centre staff in preparing us for what is ahead of us,” Mr Karikaritu said.

49-year-old returning seasonal worker Atunaisa Mudra, from Nakorotubu Village in Ra, is prepared to work for the third time with Eastpack Limited.

“This is my third time to be recruited by Eastpack and I’m grateful to be given this opportunity to work for my family. Our house was severely damaged by Cyclone Winston in 2016 and this has given me the strength to continue returning to work. I have set my goals and targets for my family which has kept me going,” Mr Mudra said.

Chief guest and representative for the Fijian Government, Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations permanent secretary Salaseini Daunabuna presented the pre-departure certificates to the selected seasonal workers and also relayed words of encouragement.

“The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations is grateful to you for your hard work. For you to be able to be recruited for the first time and for some to be recruited more than 3 times is a positive feedback for Fiji. Even though in the past some Fijian seasonal workers had portrayed a bad image of Fiji, the employer is still willing to recruit from Fiji – as a result you have been selected,” Ms Daunabuna said.

“You will be representing Fiji and it is our hope that you will do well in your area of work. Some returning seasonal workers have returned based on their good work and this can also be for your case if you stay focused and set a goal that you know you will work towards. Upon your good works, others will get the opportunity to participate in the RSE scheme.”

Source: DEPTFO News

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