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Solomon Islands RSE Workers & Employers on the South Island visited by the Solomon Islands High Commission.

The Solomon Islands High Commission (SIHC) to New Zealand in Collaboration with MBIE made a pastoral/field visit to the SI RSE Workers (and their respective employers) in the Southern Island region from Friday 5th June – 9th June 2020. The Visit was made possible through funding from MBIE who funded for travel and accommodation for the visit. The Visit was basically to meet and discuss with SI RSE workers and employers and hear out any issues of concern that may arise especially in those very uncertain times during the eight weeks of total lockdown due to the covid-19 global pandemic. The visit covered SI RSE workers and employers of Hortus, Vine Power, Ace Viticulture, Focus Central, R&C Conning, Seifried Ltd, Motueka and Takaka

Mr John Kemakeza (SIHC) and Ms Oiko (MBIE) with Hortus Company managers, Tasman South Island

The visiting team which comprises of Mr. John Mark Kemakeza from SI High Commission, Mrs. Oiko from NZ Immigration and Mr. Lafaele from MBIE had an audience on separate occasions with almost around 150 of the SI RSE Workers in the Southern Region. The visiting team took the opportunity to encourage the workers to take good care of themselves, stay safe, practice a healthy working environment, and make the most of the opportunity of still having Jobs with their respective employers.

Group photo with the SI RSE Workers in Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand

Workers in the Southern region in general are fine as there are still jobs for them up until August and September. The High Commission also informed the workers on the current situation with the State of Public Emergency in Honiara. The High Commission provided contact information with the group leaders and should any issues of concern be raised by the workers they will keep in contact with the High Commission office in Wellington. Ms. Oiko and Mr. Laefaele also provided information on some questions regarding Visa and Immigration

With the SI RSE Workers ( R & C) their pastoral carers, Mr & Mrs Susukahu, Nelson

Some of the issues raised by the workers were brought forward to their employers and were addressed directly. Some issues and concerns were also raised by Mission to LMU/HQ on a more detailed report submitted to LMU/HQ for further considerations

The Field Visit was a real success and the High Commission looks forward to more visits and collaborations with MBIE especially with the focus on trying to increase Solomon Islands  Participation in the RSE Scheme under this Toso Vaka Omanu Program

With the SI RSE Workers at Seifrieds, Nelson with Mr Seifried himself on front row, far right.