Putting people first as RSE scheme evolves

Wellbeing training, a new Cultural Awareness Framework and ongoing work on accommodation standards are strengthening support for Pacific workers and employers participating in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has worked alongside Pacific governments, Country Liaison Officers and the horticulture and viticulture industries throughout 2026 on practical initiatives focused on wellbeing, stronger relationships and cultural understanding.

Supporting those who support RSE workers

Country Liaison Officers and Pacific labour mobility officials are often among the first people RSE workers turn to for help with welfare and employment issues, family challenges and critical incidents.

This year, INZ’s Toso Vaka o Manū programme brought Pacific representatives together in Wellington for specialised training on vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

The training provided practical tools to help participants recognise the impacts of sustained caring work, manage their wellbeing and build resilience.

INZ National Manager Pacific Loua Ward said looking after those who support RSE workers was critical.

“Country Liaison Officers and labour mobility officials carry significant responsibilities and are regularly exposed to challenging situations.

“This training provides practical tools to help protect their wellbeing while continuing the important work they do for workers, their families and communities.”

Country Liaison Officers and labour mobility officials from across the Pacific at a specialised wellbeing and resilience workshop in Wellington.

Turning cultural awareness into everyday practice

Strengthening cultural understanding between workers and employers has also been a focus this year.

The RSE Cultural Awareness Framework was launched at the RSE Conference in July following engagement with workers, employers, Pacific Heads of Mission and others supporting the scheme.

Developed in response to requests from employers and Pacific partners, the framework provides practical tools to strengthen cultural understanding, communication and working relationships.

“This work is about strengthening cultural understanding across the RSE scheme. The focus is on people and relationships, not just compliance or process,” Loua Ward said.

The framework encourages workers, employers and others to consider how culture and values can influence communication, leadership, relationships and workplace behaviours.

“Cultural awareness grows through consistent practice, such as small acts of respect and connection that build over time,” Loua Ward said.

A pilot group of RSE employers is using the framework, and Country Liaison Officers are also being engaged on how they can support its rollout.

Accommodation remains in focus

Work on RSE accommodation standards is continuing, with Pacific governments, Country Liaison Officers, employers and industry contributing to discussions about future settings.

This work looks at how accommodation standards can better support safe, suitable and consistent accommodation for RSE workers.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott said growers recognised the importance of good-quality accommodation and worker welfare.

“The growers we talk to are committed to providing good-quality accommodation for RSE workers and treating them with dignity and respect. The welfare of our people is paramount.

“We support a fair and transparent system that reflects actual, reasonable and verifiable costs and ensures the long-term sustainability of the RSE scheme for workers, employers and the communities that host them.”

Together, these initiatives reflect a continued focus on the people at the heart of the RSE scheme, strengthening the support they receive, the relationships they build and the environments in which they live and work.