KEY POINTS:
A scheme to bring Pacific Islanders here for short-term horticultural and viticultural work has been rushed, says the Tongan Advisory Council.
Chairman Melino Maka is concerned about the lack of detail on how the new Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE) will ensure a fair deal for employers and workers.
"While the intention behind the scheme is good, there are concerns about the process and lack of real engagement with Pacific communities. In the rush to develop this initiative, the lessons from similar policies and initiatives in the past may have been overlooked."
From the end of this month, approved employers can recruit workers from Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Kiribati.
Some 4500 Tongans have already registered their interest in taking up the opportunity to work here on a temporary basis.
Mr Maka said the scheme was designed in favour of New Zealand rather than considering the interests of workers who might have to deal with culture shock.
It was assumed the Pacific island communities would give the support needed but that was not necessarily fair.
The dialogue with the communities and overseas governments in setting up the scheme had been inadequate.
"To date, the Government agencies involved do not seem open to partnerships with not-for-profit and community organisations in providing a range of support to workers. This might include social services and legal advice in areas such as employment, tenancy and consumer law."
Mr Maka was also sceptical about how fruitful the work would be once expenses were taken out of earnings. "The net gains beyond the short term are likely to be modest at best."
Publicity about the scheme suggested skill transfers to the Pacific but, without associated training programmes, they would be minimal.
Sefita Haouli, Tongan member of the RSE reference group, said the scheme would be successful whether the local Pacific community got in behind it or not.
"Pacific nations and most people here are wanting to help."
Tema Faka'osi, chairwoman of the Hamilton Pacific RSE group, said it would be in everyone's interests to make the scheme work. She did not see it as necessary for Pacific communities to get involved in the detailed organisation but would look at strategies to offer support.
"Tongan people are excited about it; it's a golden opportunity."
Labour Department deputy secretary Mary Anne Thompson said the Pacific workers would be well briefed about life here before they left their home countries.
Just the job
* Scheme to help meet seasonal labour needs in New Zealand.
* Follows request from Pacific countries.
* Kick started with five countries.
* Jobs available for seven to nine months.
* Workers cannot transfer to other permits.
* Workers can transfer to recognised employers.
* Scheme capped at 5000 places.
