Horticulturalists say it would make sense to allow more Pacific
Island workers into New Zealand to do seasonal jobs.
A report by the World Bank says unskilled workers from Pacific
Islands should get access to seasonal work in Australia and New
Zealand. It says this could ease crippling unemployment in
places like Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Horticulture New Zealand says places like Hastings need 15,000 extra workers at fruit picking time and are finding it harder each year to attract them.
The government says it is reviewing the issue, but needs to make sure the New Zealand labour market is not undercut and New Zealand does not end up with a problem of overstayers.
Minister of Immigration David Cunliffe says the issue was being looked at before the World Bank report and a proposal is being prepared for the next meeting of the Pacific Island Forum.
Ru Collion of Horticulture New Zealand says the sector welcomes
any proposal that would allow more Pacific Island workers into this
country.
