Overview of the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme 9. In 2007, Aotearoa New Zealand launched the RSE scheme to fill seasonal labour shortages in its horticulture and viticulture industries. Under the scheme, employers can apply for “Recognised Seasonal Employer” status and fill vacant seasonal positions with workers from Pacific Island countries when there are no domestic applicants. Workers can be recruited from nine Pacific Island nations: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Employers may also recruit from other countries where they can demonstrate pre-established relationships. 10. The scheme allows seasonal workers to stay in New Zealand for up to 7 months in any 11-month period. Workers may be re-employed in subsequent years. This re-employment may be by the previous employer or with a new employer. 2 4 11. The RSE scheme is advertised as a mutually beneficial partnership supporting the economies and communities of both Pacific nations and Aotearoa New Zealand. Pacific workers are promised training, mentoring and the development of skills to take home to begin their own business ventures, while ensuring they will earn an income that can be sent back to their families and their wider community. At the same time, the scheme supports New Zealand businesses during peak harvest times, enabling the horticulture and viticulture industries to grow. 12. The Government determines the number of RSE places that can be taken up in any one year. In its inaugural year in 2007, the cap was set at 5,000 places. Since then, the RSE scheme has grown to match demand for labour, with the number of places having increased to 19,000 in 2022.2 See New Zealand Immigration, Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme research: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/ about-us/research-and-statistics/research-reports/recognised-seasonal-employer-rse-scheme. Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) Scheme: Human rights issues for seasonal workers in Aotearoa New Zealand