In a speech in the New Zealand Parliament today Tourism Minister Stuart Nash, standing in for the NZ Immigration Minister, spoke about what the government called a “once in a generation reset” of the immigration system.
Details of what Minister Nash said have been released by Radio New Zealand but significantly, to me, were these words.
Quote.
"We also take seriously our commitments and responsibilities to other countries - notably the Pacific Islands through the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme, which provides valuable income that, improves wellbeing and livelihoods in the Pacific. The Pacific residence programme and family categories are also part of that immigration balance."
End of quote.
Comment.
Solomon Islanders have seen gainful employment in New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme (RSES) and I believe Mr. Nash’s comments in the NZ Parliament about recognizing and responsibilities towards seasonal workers will be appreciated in the Solomons and in other regional Pacific countries that look to New Zealand for further engagements through the RSES.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
