Employer Bulletin | 19 August

The coalition Government is supporting the growth of New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries, by revitalising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme and increasing the cap on the number of workers to 20,750 for the 2024/25 season.

“Our Government is committed to increasing the number of RSE workers over time in line with industry demand, while balancing the availability of New Zealanders and accommodation for workers,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.

Other changes include employers being required to pay workers an average of 30 hours a week over four weeks. The pause on accommodation cost increases will be lifted and the requirement to pay RSE workers 10 percent above the minimum wage will only apply to experienced workers, recognising their productivity.

“The RSE scheme is central to our relationships in the Pacific and has delivered tremendous benefits to everyone involved,” Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. 

“New Zealand is committed to supporting Pacific priorities. That is why these changes include broader opportunities for skills development, greater flexibility in visa settings, and pay based on experience.” 

“These changes are just the start. The next phase of our work programme will consider substantive, longer-term options to further improve the wider RSE system and worker welfare settings,” Ms Stanford says.

In today’s Bulletin

• Employment Court overturns Authority’s decision of unjustified dismissal
• Employer breaches law on employment agreements and misunderstands trial period
• Employer warns and dismisses employee without process
• Authority examines if personal grievances were raised in time
• Nine news updates of interest for employers including: Time of use schemes to reduce travel times; ACC regulatory changes will improve access to treatment; New Zealand to benefit from end to gene tech ban; Earthquake-prone building remediation deadline and other matters Bill has first reading; Government agrees approach for accelerating Māori development; Annual net migration fall; Cost of living relief welcome; Improving fairness and ease of doing business; and RSE Scheme revitalised and cap increased.
• Seven Bills open for submission