Dr Hon Lockwood Smith MP
National Party Immigration Spokesman

2 August 2007

Labour refuses to budge over RSE scheme

It’s breathtakingly arrogant for the Labour Government to continue to brush-off the concerns of vital industries over its soon-to-be-implemented Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, says National Party Immigration spokesman, Dr Hon Lockwood Smith.

“Yesterday, Horticulture New Zealand implored the Labour Government to extend the Seasonal Work Permit scheme which is due to be abolished when the RSE takes effect on 30 September.

“Today, New Zealand Winegrowers Chairman Stuart Smith has reiterated Horticulture New Zealand’s call for the SWP scheme to continue to run for at least another year.

“Mr Smith rightly fears that unless this happens, the industry will face serious labour shortages.”

Dr Smith says it’s insulting that the pleas of the horticulture and viticulture industries are still falling on deaf ears, and that Labour is only now consulting the industry on the new scheme.

“Horticulture and viticulture are key industries for New Zealand’s economy.

“They cannot fall victim to the Labour Government’s ‘we know best’ approach.

“Immigration Minister David Cunliffe needs to start listening to employers rather than dictating to them schemes which simply don’t meet their needs.”

ENDS

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