The prime minister of Samoa Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa visited Hawke’s Bay yesterday as part of a three-day trip to New Zealand. She was welcomed to the region with an Ava ceremony, a significant custom in Samoan Culture, organised by members of the Samoan community, including seasonal workers and church leaders.
In her address to horticultural leaders, she said that the Samoan government is committed to strengthening the RSE (recognised seasonal employer) scheme. This scheme, which has been running since 2013, enables the recruitment of seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands for the horticulture and viticulture sectors. She also thanked New Zealand’s employers for supporting Samoan workers through the Covid-19 pandemic.
