More than a game: Unity on display at the 2025 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Sports Festival

The 2025 RSE Sports Festival was a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and connection, bringing together RSE workers from across New Zealand for a high-energy day of rugby, touch rugby, volleyball, and soccer. Supported by 16 dedicated seasonal employers, the event showcased not only athletic talent but the spirit and unity of the RSE workforce.

Held in the heart of New Zealand’s horticultural season, the festival has grown from a single rugby match between Seeka and Eastpack in August 2023 into a full-scale annual event. This year’s edition featured 47 teams, with long-time supporters Eastpack and Seeka each registering 6 teams. Players proudly represented both their companies and their home nations, undeterred by the rain that fell throughout the day.

The RSE workforce plays a vital role in the success of the horticultural and viticultural industries. The importance of the RSE workforce was especially evident during the labour shortages a few years ago, highlighting that the industry and the economy simply cannot succeed without them. The festival was a chance to celebrate their contribution to New Zealand, and the rich cultural tapestry of the RSE community.

Seeka’s RSE Operational Manager, Marcos Garcia, reflected on the emotional impact of the day, noting how proud workers were to defend their company colours and national flags. “Many said it was good to feel part of the team, part of something bigger, not just within the company, but within New Zealand.” He added that the festival offered a rare and meaningful opportunity for workers to reconnect with friends and family from their home villages and to meet others from different Pacific nations.

Eastpack’s RSE Manager, Teei Fairburn, emphasised the excitement and energy of the event. “Eastpack has proudly supported the festival since its inception 3 years ago, and this year was no different. It’s always a joy to see our RSE workers celebrated their energy, dedication, and contribution to our community are at the heart of what makes this festival so special.”

As the day progressed, the rain intensified, but the spirit of the festival remained undampened. Laughter echoed across the fields, shared meals brought people together, and new friendships blossomed. This year marked a milestone in participation, with up to 16 packhouses and orchards represented, up from 11 in the inaugural 2024 festival.

The RSE Sports Festival continues to grow not only in scale but in significance. It stands as a powerful reminder of the human side of seasonal work—of the pride, resilience, and camaraderie that define the RSE workforce.

Acting National Manager Pacific, Zoe Wyatt says that The RSE Sports Festival is a powerful reminder that the RSE programme is about more than just work, it’s about people, pride, and connection.

“Events like this strengthen the bonds between our Pacific workers, their employers, and the communities they live in. It’s a celebration of culture, contribution, and belonging, and we are proud to support it every step of the way.”

What is the RSE programme?

The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme was established in 2007 to help New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors address seasonal labour shortages. It allows employers to recruit workers from eligible Pacific Island countries to plant, maintain, harvest, and pack crops when there are not enough New Zealanders available to do the work.

The scheme is built on a foundation of mutual benefit: employers gain access to a reliable and skilled workforce, while workers earn income, gain valuable experience, and support their families and communities through remittances.

A key component of the programme is pastoral care—ensuring that workers are supported with suitable accommodation, transport, induction, access to banking and healthcare, and a sense of community during their time in New Zealand.

Employing workers through the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme