New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Wednesday announced the establishment of a pilot program that will deliver skills training to visiting Pacific workers taking part in the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme.
"We are committed to the RSE scheme and expanding the benefits for Pacific communities, families and individuals," Key said in a statement.
Wednesday's announcement will see 500,000 NZ dollars (336,000 U.S. dollars) invested by NZAID in skills training for up to 300 RSE workers across the Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Marlborough over the next two years.
"The training will be conducted outside of work hours and will focus on literacy, numeracy, and financial understanding," he said, adding "if successful, we will look at expanding the program to cover more RSE participants."
In the last year more than 5,500 workers came from around the Pacific region to work in New Zealand orchards and vineyards. This has contributed significantly to improving returns for New Zealand's horticulture and viticulture industries, as well as contributing cash flow and skills to Pacific nations.
"In the current economic climate the money earned by Pacific people working in New Zealand is an important lifeline for Pacific economies, and the skills that the workers take home will also help economic development in the region," he added.
In addition to the RSE scheme, NZAID and AusAID have jointly funded the development of the www.sendmoneypacific.org website aimed at reducing the costs of remitting money from New Zealand and Australia by allowing people to easily compare costs, exchange rates and transaction speed.
The New Zealand prime minister is currently attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Australian northern city of Cairns and will return to New Zealand on Friday.
Source: Xinhua
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