Fiji and India Strengthen Bilateral Ties Through Key Development Projects
17/02/2025
Fiji’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Mr. Jackson Evans, welcomed by the Fijian Diaspora
17/02/2025Published On: 17/02/2025
Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, during his recent visit to Hastings, New Zealand, met with 26 Fijian workers employed by RJ Flowers. As a family-owned company RJ Flowers operates fruit orchards and employs Registered Seasonal Employers Scheme (RSE) workers from Fiji for fruit harvesting, packing for export, and orchard maintenance.
This visit is part of a series of regular engagements undertaken by the Fiji High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations. Currently, Fiji has over 900 workers participating in the RSE scheme in New Zealand, a significant increase from the initial group of 30 that started with RJ Flowers in 2015.
During the discussions, Ratu Inoke expressed his appreciation to the employers for their continued support and care for Fijian workers, noting that the partnership has been mutually beneficial.
Further, Ratu Inoke encouraged the Fijian seasonal workers in New Zealand to adhere to the terms of their contracts under the Registered Seasonal Employers Scheme (RSE).
Additionally, the meeting provided a platform for both sides to exchange perspectives on the way forward to further enhance the RSE processes to support the Fijian workers through continued consultations with the respective agencies.
Ratu Inoke assured the Fijian workers that their issues will be addressed accordingly, emphasizing on the importance of streamlining the processes in place, especially for those traveling from remote locations outside of Suva.
The Fiji High Commission in Wellington continues to work closely with New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to monitor and evaluate the progress and welfare of RSE workers.
As part of the ongoing Duavata Partnership, Fiji and New Zealand continue to collaborate on the labour mobility initiatives that provides skills development and employment opportunities for the Fijian workers.
