RSE & labour updates

Read the latest RSE and labour updates, including changes to work visas, drivers licences and employment rules.

Key updates:

Engaging extra staff

Working holiday and SSE visa extensions

Changes to Fixed Term Employment Agreements longer than 12 months

Overseas drivers licence update

View recruitment sites and employment templates

Find out how the RSE scheme works

Submission on Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) policy review

28 April 2023

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) began consultation on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme policy review in November 2022.

RSE Employer update

12 December 2022

Information on latest media coverage of the RSE scheme, Samoa labour updates and December and January flights, the fair pay agreement dashboard, and instructions on PickNZ.

RSE employer update

17 November 2022

Samoa to New Zealand inbound flights

As previously advised, the Samoan Government is conducting a review of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

Engaging extra staff

15 November 2022

The following information has been put together to help employers come up to speed on their legal obligations when it comes to engaging extra staff.

Industry discussions with Government officials and union representatives are continuing as part of the Government’s ‘tripartite agreement’ approach to the future functioning of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) visas

8 September 2022

A reminder regarding Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) accreditation:

Any employer with Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) status can recruit SSE visa holders until the 31 December 2022.

Any move to strengthen RSE scheme supported by Horticulture New Zealand

29 August 2022

Horticulture New Zealand supports any move to ensure the ongoing success of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

Employers offering additional perks on PickNZ job board

7 December 2021

It’s a tight job market due to high levels of employment and New Zealand’s borders still being more or less closed.

Plenty of hospitality at RSE worker hāngi

19 November 2021

There was plenty of manaakitanga (hospitality) extended to the 147 RSE workers from the Solomon Islands as they completed their stay in MIQ on Friday 12 November.

MSD Seasonal Work Support

16 November 2021

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has a range of supports for New Zealanders wanting to undertake seasonal work.