RSE workers get big welcome
Town shows how much it values its migrant workers,
While recognised seasonal employer (RSE) workers were settling into their new digs, Katikati community organisations were busy organising a big welcome for the newcomers.
An powhiri for RSE workers was held to welcome about 100 newcomers into the town. The event involved a ceremony, a few gifts and a meal.
The first welcome was held last year and the organising team decided they would repeat the successful event.
Te Rereatukahia marae welcomed nationalities from Kiribati and NiVanuatu. Both took a turn speaking and singing a song.
About 250 welcome packs were made up and extras were given to Eastpack, Seeka and Humes workers who could not make the event.
Included in the packs were Easter eggs and a beanie, thanks to community knitters making 300 of them last year in preparation for this year.
Also included was information about churches, community services, bus timetable, useful websites, Wi-Fi info, fishing rules, maps including a mural map, recreational info and things to do in the area.
The organising team was made up of Sjaan Rounds (Katikati Community Centre), Hone Winder-Murray and Valarie Uilou (Te Rereatukahia Marae), Patrick Rounds (Katikati Community Baptist Church), Sam Moa (New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated) and Racheal Trimble (DMS Progrowers).
Sjaan says it was a “fantastic event that brought the RSE workers together, welcomed them appropriately to our community and showed them what a supportive community Katikati is”.
The first welcome was held last year and the organising
team decided they would repeat the successful event.