A full review of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme is underway with targeting consultations now complete. Over the next month, MBIE will be analysing submissions to develop recommendations for the Minister of Immigration to consider.

In late 2022, the Minister agreed to the objectives, scope, and timeframes for a full review of the RSE scheme.

The review focuses on finding ways to lift the performance of the scheme towards a ‘gold standard’, by embedding the expectations the Government has of industry, and assuring the wellbeing of RSE workers.

Since it began in 2007, the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme has enabled employers in the horticulture and viticulture sector to recruit an annually capped number of seasonal workers from eligible Pacific Island countries to plant, maintain, harvest, or pack crops.

The policy review includes a significant component of consultation with Pacific workers and countries, the horticulture and viticulture industry and unions.

It will also look into workstreams on RSE worker wellbeing, supply and quality of accommodation, strengthened compliance framework, streamlined labour market test, the cap-setting process, method of allocation, and flexibility options in the scheme.

Feedback was heard through in-person consultation sessions, webinars, and via email.

You can find more information about the review on the MBIE website. 

Recognised Seasonal Employer policy review | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (mbie.govt.nz)