Feature article

Case study: Vanuatu seasonal workers in Central Otago – a real development partnership

Imagine leaving a tiny village in Vanuatu to come and work in the relatively chilly Central Otago region picking grapes. In January that's exactly what 45 Vanuatu workers did – even though many had never seen a grape before.

The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme gives an opportunity for people with no formal employment to earn an income, acquire skills and be exposed to new ideas. In Vanuatu only 15% of people have formal jobs. The Seasonal Solutions (SSCO) pilot bringing Vanuatu workers to Central Otago this season has been a real success.

The project and the hard-working nature of the men has won the praise of New Zealand growers as a good employment option over the more itinerant "Back Packers". But it's not just about the dollars.

The community has embraced the workers. Churches and the local soccer club have opened their doors to the visitors. The local rotary club has been fund raising for equipment for the Lolihor village school. Additional training has been offered – allowing the workers to take home more than just a pay cheque. Seasonal Solutions have arranged evening training courses in areas like computers, plumbing, and two stroke motor maintenance.

This pilot has given a glimpse of the potential for real development partnerships between New Zealand employers and communities with communities in the Pacific. Next season SSCO is planning to increase the numbers to around 125 workers arriving from mid October.

Page Last Reviewed: 8 May, 2007

Document URL: http://www.nzaid.govt.nz/library/articles/archives/case-study-rse.html

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