Solomon's seasonsal apple pickers off to New Zealand

By Joanna Siriheti

The apple season in New Zealand has prompted many apple farmers to look to Pacific Islands for much needed labor force. A few fortunate Solomon Islanders have left for New Zealand yesterday afternoon to help harvest these world renowned red apples.

At least forty eight Solomon Islanders left yesterday afternoon to spend seven months in New Zealand working in various farms. They were supposed to leave Tuesday last week, but due to some delay on their travel visa, they could only leave this week.

These are not the first group of casual workers in New Zealand. Another group of forty casual workers left at the beginning of this year to the same farms based in Auckland.

Solomon Islanders are said to be in high demand by these New Zealand farming companies because of their natural ability to engage in physical work and their pleasant personalities.

Meanwhile, Australia says a decision on whether to introduce a seasonal labour scheme for Pacific workers depends largely on the demand from employers.

Radio Australia reports stated, Australian parliamentary secretary for Pacific affairs, Duncan Kerr, said it was as-yet unknown whether there was a need for seasonal workers in Australia.

He said a decision could not be made if employers did not identify themselves.

Mr Kerr says while the New Zealand labour scheme is successful, the Pacific considers Australia's input as equally important.

He also confirmed Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's intention of discussing the matter with regional leaders during the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum in Niue.

Source: Solomon Times