AS the orchards of New Zealand become ready for harvesting more and more of our local workers are now heading overseas to join hundreds of other Pacific Islanders in harvesting fruits from various farms and orchards.
Fifteen seasonal workers recruited under the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) bound for the shores of the New Zealand received a pre-departure briefing from officials of the Labour Mobility Unit(LMU) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
The pre departure briefing is a key exercise carried out by government officials to prepare workers who travel to New Zealand and Australia for seasonal work.
During the briefing the LMU Officials told the workers to be a good Solomon Islands citizen when in New Zealand and to respect and abide by the host country’s laws. .
Some of the messages highlighted by LMU officials during the pre-departure orientation include the need for each individual worker to set aim and objective which they need to work toward achieving.
They were told that it’s no use going to New Zealand to work and come home with nothing.
The LMU officials also told workers to stay away from alcohol abuse because this can lead you to commit severe crime which you are liable to be prosecuted.
“Spending money on alcohol also reduces your ability to save money which in turn affects you from achieving your personal aim,” the officials told the workers
The workers were also told that the LMU has zero tolerance on people who abuse their opposite sex.
“For men especially, you must treat your fellow women with high respect like you would treat your own sisters and brothers.
“Those that found to abuse their opposite sex will risk their chance of going back the next season,” the workers were told.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of Trade Jack O’oi who stressed to the workers that they must always watch out for each other and act as a family when working in New Zealand.
The 11 girls and four men left for New Zealand on Wednesday where they will spend four months working in Northland region.
The group of workers were recruited by Islander Agency.
