Most Motueka retailers support the RSE scheme

July 5th, 2012
[by David Armstrong]

Complaints of some Motueka residents, as reported in Tuesday's Nelson Mail, about gatherings of seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands in town do not represent the views of most retailers who overwhelmingly support the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, says Our Town Motueka's chairman Howie Timms.

The article cited a discussion between retailers, the Department of Labour, the police and orchardists earlier this year after one retailer raised concerns about large groups of the island workers congregating in the town's retail area.

Senior Sergeant Grant Andrews was quoted as saying fears of criminal activity and malicious intent by the islanders were groundless, and that no Pacific RSE workers had been charged with any crime. He did not know why some people saw them as a threat.

Following the publication of the article, Howie Timms wrote a letter to the Nelson Mail, saying that he and the Our Town Motueka (OTM) committee were very disappointed in the content of the article.

He said feedback on the issue of them congregating in High Street was never officially sought by himself or the OTM committee.

"The meeting between police, the Dept. of Labour, RSE Scheme representatives and orchardists was arranged by the secretary of the RSE Scheme. This is the first time we have heard that this meeting was specifically held. .... Two OTM committee members attended this meeting, invited as observers."

Those observers said the decision to ask RSE workers to stop congregating in High Street was made by the other parties involved in this meeting.

"Motueka businesses have now been unjustly portrayed as anti-Pacific Island and are now being threatened by boycotts from shoppers who don't have the correct information," Howie wrote in his reply.

"Motueka is a diverse town and its businesses have a long history of welcoming seasonal and migrant workers into the community.

"I wish to reiterate, again, that the vast majority of our members support the RSE Scheme. It would be extremely unfair if folk stopped shopping in Motueka based on the content of this article."

Complaints about the RSE scheme have surfaced from time to time since the scheme started in 2007. A few residents concerned at jobs being taken from locals quizzed political candidates at the "Meet the Candidates" meeting before the last election, but all the major party candidates said overall the scheme was good for Motueka.

The Nelson Mail article this week quoted one orchardist as saying the benefit of RSE labour for Motueka lay with the viability of the fruit industry. "Fruit production is the region's gross income. We have to harvest the crop on time. It is critical and has a huge influence on revenue." RSE workers provided essential reliable labour before, during and after the harvest, he said.

Another orchardist told the Mail the islanders were being picked on because they stood out. "One of the rules under the RSE scheme is that we have to provide transport. So the workers tended to arrive in town en masse in van loads, which made them more of a target."

Also, the islanders felt intimidated by New Zealanders, which made them gather in groups. In comparison, the Working Holiday Visa staff from other parts of the world tended to be seen as Kiwis on the street and blended in.

[Editorial comment: This writer can truly say that he has never ever felt intimidated by any RSE worker in town. They respond unfailingly to a smile and 'hello' with an even friendlier smile in return. People should try pausing, shaking their hands and wishing them a good day rather than avoiding them.]

Comment by Ron Nuttall:
[Posted 5 July 2012]

I have read both the recent articles regarding the Pacific Island Seasonal Workers and I am disgusted but not surprised. If one takes the time to read the articles carefully, then there should be questions they wish answered.

The second article is headed "Response upsets Motueka retailers" and continues "Motueka retailers are shocked by a backlash to an article examining attitudes to Pacific Island Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers".

What does this suggest? It suggests to me that the retailers are upset at the public response to the original article rather than the retailers shock to the article itself. Indeed it appears that the second article was written purely as a back down by the complainants because of the public's negative response to what the original article presented.

I have never heard the retailers complain about the large groups of Americans or Asians who tend to spread across the footpath and cause other foot traffic to either wind their way through them or walk in the gutter area. Of course these tourists have lots to money to spend. Or maybe there is an envy that the Islanders are cheerful and smiling, happy folk who are respectful to all they meet.

Quote - "Motueka businesses have now been unjustly portrayed as anti-Pacific Island and are now being threatened by boycotts from shoppers who don't have the correct information," Howie wrote in his reply. If the above is so then maybe Howie will let us have the correct information?

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