Four seasonal workers from Tonga are in stable condition after a bus crash near Rotorua. The crash happened on Sunday while they were traveling to jobs in Hawke’s Bay, where they would help with apple thinning. Twelve people were hurt in the crash.
This incident marks the second serious accident involving seasonal workers in three months. In August, three Samoan workers died in a truck accident on a highway in Auckland.
Sefita Hao’uli, a liaison for the workers, expressed gratitude that there were no fatalities, noting the crash occurred on a road without cliffs or rivers. He mentioned that many workers were not wearing seatbelts, which led to immediate changes: all workers must now wear seatbelts on buses. He emphasized that injuries could have been reduced if everyone had used them.
Hao’uli also said that 140 more seasonal workers are arriving in Auckland soon, and they will ensure all vehicles are equipped with seatbelts. They are considering hiring bus drivers from Auckland to avoid long trips between Hastings and their work sites.
Mr Apple, the company employing these workers, learned of the accident early Sunday. The injured were taken to three hospitals, and a Tongan liaison officer was sent to assist. Most seasonal workers arrived in Hawke’s Bay by Sunday night, and the company is providing support to them.
Mr Apple hires around 1,200 seasonal workers each year, and Tongan workers often work with them for about five years. The company is connected to local church communities, which provide a support network for the workers. They are also offering counseling for those affected by the crash.
While the workers were set to begin apple thinning this week, the company plans to discuss how to proceed following the accident. They will handle the situation with care to support the workers effectively. Details about the crash remain limited.
