Seasonal workers from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu will be able to enter New Zealand from next month. While there were currently about 7000 recognised seasonal employer (RSE) workers here, there were normally over 10,000 at the peak. As with the 2000 RSE workers brought in last year, the same conditions - including paying at least the living wage and providing appropriate accommodation - would be enforced. Ardern said New Zealand was in a position to open up to RSE workers due to its Covid-19-free status, and that of the countries involved. Housing crisis inquiryOn the Human Rights Commission's decision to investigate New Zealand's housing situation, Ardern said that was their independent decision.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 02, 2021 04:07 UTC