“The money, the income that I get in the seven months I’m going on the RSE, I can get that income if I work in Tonga here for like two years” – Tongan RSE worker Steven Piukala
For nearly two decades the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme has served as a vital economic bridge between New Zealand and the Pacific.
For Tongan workers like Steven Piukala, who has been picking fruit in the Waikato for four years, the programme is an opportunity for financial growth that is simply unavailable at home.
“Our economy here in Tonga, there’s not much,” Piukala explains.
“The money, the income that I get in the seven months I’m going on the RSE, I can get that income if I work in Tonga here for like two years.”
Those earnings have allowed him to renovate his family home, start a barbershop business and expand his pig farm.
His success has even inspired his younger brother, Siosaia Po’uliva’ati, to join the scheme to help care for their family.
“I’ve gained so much doing this work,” he says. “I have achieved my goals and I am able to help take care of my family and our duties.”
The economic significance of the program is immense. With over 1,600 Tongans currently working in New Zealand under the RSE, millions of dollars are injected annually into the Tongan economy through salaries and remittances.
Although concerns exist among some Pacific countries regarding an offshore brain drain, ‘Akanesi Pōlotu Pāunga, CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Internal Affairs considers the arrangement highly beneficial, as workers bring back financial resources to secure a brighter future.
“So when they come back, they bring in the money of course to support their families or whatever their priority is for education or building homes, renovations, start a small business and of course bringing the responsibilities that you gain while being away from home,” she says.
New Zealand also reaps substantial benefits. The horticulture and viticulture industries rely on Pacific Islands workers, contributing to a massive boost in annual export growth—from $2.5 billion in 2007 to nearly $9 billion today.
However, the journey has not been without its hurdles. In response to criticism regarding worker exploitation and employment rights, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has conducted a policy review to strengthen protections.
Loua Ward from MBIE highlights several key improvements aimed at safeguarding workers.
“So what we’re bringing in is an improved complaints system… so the RSE workers have a very clear pathway if they want to make complaints and receive support and also the addition of the ability to move between RSE employers so yeah, making sure that worker wellbeing strengthens as part of these policy review changes.”
For Steven Piukala, participating in the program delivers far more than work, it lays a crucial foundation for long-term financial security and personal advancement.
What began nearly 20 years ago as a seasonal initiative has evolved into a lasting pillar of support for the Pacific region.
