NZ RSE extension only includes Kiribati and Tuvalu

Wellington:

New Zealand is not likely to be calling on more Pacific Island countries to provide labour for its fishing fleet, other than Tuvalu and Kiribati. A pilot project extending the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme recruits trained fishermen from Tuvalu and Kiribati to work on New Zealand’s fishing boats. New Zealand’s Economic Ambassador to the region Shane Jones said graduates were being recruited from the Kiribati Maritime College.

Mr Jones said, despite wider interest, the project was not likely to be extended to other countries. “The moment that many of the other Pacific leaders heard about the pilot, they immediately put their hands up as well. “But I have pointed out to them, the focus is on dealing with the graduates of these maritime colleges which do consume an important part of our international aid budget,” Mr Jones said.

One of the countries that says it is keen to contribute to New Zealand’s fisheries sector is Vanuatu. RNZI