2322 (2025). Hon Phil Twyford to the Minister of Immigration

2322 (2025). Hon Phil Twyford to the Minister of Immigration: Did she consider Pacific labour-sending governments would want to be consulted before the decisions were made on the August 2024 changes, as opposed to being informed of the impending announcement, given they included cutting minimum pay rates for most Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme workers and lifting the pause on accommodation costs?

Hon Erica Stanford: I considered a range of matters in relation to the RSE changes. The member's assertion that the changes included cutting minimum pay rates for most workers is incorrect. This Government retained the minimum wage+10% pay rate for workers on their third or subsequent season and there are many RSE workers who return to New Zealand for three seasons or more. In addition, I am advised that there are many workers who earn significantly more than the minimum wage or minimum wage+10% based on pick rates (ie. productivity). In addition, where an RSE worker in their first or second season had already signed an employment agreement at minimum rate of minimum wage+10% this remained their rate for the period of their employment.