06.11.2024 Wairarapa Pacific Island Trust (PIT), and the Craggy Range Vineyard in Martinborough arranged an induction session for 20 Solomon Islands and 10 Ni-Vanuatu working for Craggy Range under the Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) Scheme. Workers also received a double dose of injection of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and flu vaccination. 

As a representative of the Solomon Islands High Commission in New Zealand, I was invited to the induction to speak with workers on their financial and personal responsibilities, work ethics and worker rights. Other speakers included two officers from the Wellington Central Police Station who discussed New Zealand’s rules and regulations, especially safe driving, responsible drinking and recognising internet scams. Wairarapa PIT and Te Whatu Ora (New Zealand Health) representatives made a presentation on measles and other infectious diseases. Finally, two local pharmacists who attended the induction in order to administer vaccinations, explained to workers the difference between the MMR and flu vaccines, their purposes and side effects. 

Vaccines were free and made available to the workers through the Wairarapa PIT. 

The induction provided an informative session for the workers, reinforcing messages from all the speakers to new and returning workers alike. Vaccines were successfully administered and a majority of the workers were inoculated to protect themselves and their island communities against measles, mumps, rubella and the flu.