Seasonal work project may open new doors for PNG

THE Government intends to have further talks with New Zealand to look at the possibility of increasing the number seasonal workers from PNG, Minister for National Planning Richard Maru says.
“These are farms that need workers and if PNG has the opportunity, then it is important for us to make sure we meet that requirement,” he said
“PNG will need to work up alternative approaches if we want efficiency and speed in our systems and processes so that Papua New Guineans do not lose out.
“This alternative should be to outsourced, the administration of the entire RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employment) scheme is on how we improve the efficiencies, the requirements, and eliminate any possible corruption that may be occurring in the processing of the workers.”
Maru is in New Zealand to look at enhancing development cooperation and trade and investment prospects with the government there.
He had an opportunity to meet with a host company East Pack Ltd, under New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Worker’s Employment Scheme.
The RSE Scheme aims to encourage economic development in the Pacific and so allows preferential access to workers who are citizens of eligible Pacific countries.
PNG is an eligible country.
The RSE Scheme allows for a set number of overseas workers to work in New Zealand in the horticulture (fruits and vegetables) and viticulture (wine) industries in the following types of jobs:

•  Maintaining crops, pruning, planting and thinning;
•  packing and sorting fruits and vegetables; and
•  Harvesting fruits and vegetables and wine-making.
  East Pack Ltd is the biggest post-harvest operation in Australasia, making it 30 per cent of the Kiwi fruit industry in New Zealand.
  The company currently has 30 workers from Papua New Guinea who are demonstrating excellent performance and attitude to work.
  It has expressed satisfaction with PNG workers, Maru said.
  Maru and his delegation also met PNG seasonal workers at the East Pack site and expressed his confidence to them and encouraged them to continue to work hard, learn from good ethics showcased by East Pack, and come back home to participate in PNG’s economy.
  However, a critical issue was raised by East Pack on the timely processing required for the engagement of workers.
  This included, the disjointed recruitment process, timelines had been short or not adhered to, visas were not signed off or medicals of workers had not been completed on time and the payment processes of visas were a challenge that
  needed to improve for future engagements.
  Maru returns to PNG today.