RSE scheme misconceptions challenge Fijian workers in New Zealand

Misconceptions surrounding New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme present a major hurdle for Fijian workers, according to Greg Traill, Fiji's RSE scheme country liaison officer. These false impressions fuel confusion about worker rights, health and wellbeing, and the length of their temporary work contracts.

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I must say I'm very happy with the way our RSE workers have conducted themselves in this scheme, in regards to work productivity and commitment to saving money for their families back home in Fiji.

Despite these challenges, Traill reported positive feedback from both New Zealand employers and the workers themselves during recent site visits across Aotearoa. He has engaged with approximately 460 RSE workers over the past six months, with numbers expected to reach 1,000 during the summer.

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I'm not saying there aren't issues and some of the issues that I've experienced from my time visiting the workers is a lot of misconceptions about the RSE scheme from the Fijian diaspora and my job is to look after and advocate for the workers to ensure worker rights are well looked after.

"I must say I'm very happy with the way our RSE workers have conducted themselves in this scheme, in regards to work productivity and commitment to saving money for their families back home in Fiji," Traill stated. He also expressed gratitude to New Zealand employers for their care of the workers, acknowledging that while issues exist, his role is to advocate for and protect worker rights.

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That is guaranteed perk hours, which is New Zealand labour law, especially for the RSE scheme. They are guaranteed 30 hours per week over the month of four weeks, which means they are guaranteed 120 hours paid, whether they work or not because it is seasonal work.

Traill, based in Auckland with the Fiji Trade Mission, clarified specific concerns, particularly regarding health and wellbeing. He emphasized that workers are guaranteed a minimum of 30 hours of work per week, totaling 120 paid hours per month under New Zealand labor law, regardless of actual work performed due to the seasonal nature of the employment. He also addressed confusion about income tax returns, explaining that RSE workers pay a lower tax rate of 10.5%, allowing them to send more money home, and are therefore not entitled to tax returns, unlike those under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

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In the RSE scheme, our workers only pay a 10.5 percent rate, which is much lower than our ordinary New Zealanders, and they take much more money back home to Fiji, so they are not entitled to tax returns.