The Immigration Minister says changes to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme will make it simpler and clearer to use, while protecting workers.
The RSE scheme brings about 17,000 people each year from Asia and the Pacific Islands to New Zealand for seasonal horticulture and viticulture work across about 200 employers.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said it was a great success but had become complicated and burdensome.
“We are making practical changes to simplify requirements, improve clarity and transparency, and strengthen protections for workers,” she said.
They included a graduated accreditation system recognising employers with a good track record, and more flexibility for workers to move between employers.
There would also be clearer rules on the costs employers can recover from workers, such as transport, insurance and accommodation.
“These changes will help employers focus on their core operations, provide greater certainty for workers and employers, and maintain safeguards that ensure New Zealanders are prioritised for available jobs,” Stanford said.
The government was also working with industry and Pacific partners to update accommodation standards and strengthen pastoral care settings for RSE workers, she said.
That would include ensuring employers provided internet access.
“Consultation on options for change is currently underway with Pacific partners and employers, and I expect to take decisions by the end of September,” Stanford said.
The changes would be introduced in stages, beginning in early 2027 through to 2029.