KEY POINTS:
Rules surrounding permits for seasonal work are being relaxed in anticipation of a new scheme to come into force in April.
Social Development and Employment Minister David Benson-Pope said there was a need to ease restrictions as the scheme was rolled out.
The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) policy comes into effect on April 1, allowing horticulture and viticulture employers to recruit workers from the Pacific.
Under the scheme, up to 5000 Pacific Islanders a year will be able to do temporary work in the horticulture sector.
Mr Benson-Pope said employers needed to meet immediate labour requirements.
In response, the Government was allowing both new and current holders of seasonal work permits to apply for a permit until September 30; and expanding the pool of workers eligible for a seasonal work permit by allowing visa-required people who were in New Zealand on February 15 to apply. Previously this date was September 15, 2006.
Employers who want to recruit offshore after September 30 must do so under the RSE policy.
Employers would be encouraged to build relationships with groups of workers who could apply to work in the country year after year, thereby increasing skills and productivity, Mr Benson-Pope said.
- NZPA
