Naqaravutu Village Records Highest Number Of Seasonal Workers

Naqaravutu Village of Tikina Tunuloa in Cakaudrove recorded the highest number of seasonal workers deployed under the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Worker Scheme and Australia Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) from the Northern Division. Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate highlighted that a total of 13 Fijians from Naqaravutu Village alone participated under the scheme and the programme from 2015-2017.

The returning workers were deployed to various seasonal work employers both in New Zealand and Australia and they sincerely thanked the Government for the employment opportunity as they have greatly benefited from it through improved living standards. From their savings, these workers invested in their yaqona farming, home extension, setting up of a canteen business, assistance for siblings’ education and contributions to customary obligations. Returning worker, Petero Mainukubati underlined that the group has also gained some learning experience during their deployment such as time management, farming techniques, use of farming machineries and general hygiene. Minister Usamate congratulated the returning seasonal workers for their dedication and commitment and also for maintaining a good record with their seasonal work employers that have been deployed for the past two years

The ministerial team also took note of challenges faced by the group for improvements between the sending and receiving countries.

Source: DEPTFO