Editorial: Put overseas workers at queue front

Overseas workers are a valuable resource.

The Bay's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers are congenial guests on our horticulture calendar.

It's difficult not to envy the relaxed bonhomie they espouse.

Some call it "Island Time" and, as the Urban Dictionary states, such a carefree aura has "the ability to travel with islanders and can engulf you in their presence".

But for all the salubrious qualities they bring to the country, the most telling is perspective.

Many of these workers are parents willing to leave their children to the care of family members - for up to half the year - to jetset and tackle jobs few here seem interested in.

New Zealand obviously presents as an economic powerhouse. It's why their presence is deeply humbling.

While the national influx is now capped at 9000 a year, Labour Party Pacific Island Affairs spokesperson Su'a William Sio has suggested upping the Vanuatu contingent by 300 to assist communities hit hard by Cyclone Pam.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse responded, saying the number wouldn't increase simply on the basis of the cyclone. It's a "fine balance" between providing the extra workers for the industry with making sure Kiwis are "at the front of the queue" for jobs, he said.

The question is whether we're now offering wages, or aid. Either way, given our historic reluctance to go anywhere near these jobs andthe fact employers claim the RSE work ethic is unparalleled, one wonders whether hiking their numbers would displace anyone at all.

From an employer's perspective, they're the best applicant for the position. Some would say they deserve to be "at the front of the queue".