Govt announces RSE changes, accommodation an open question
The government is promising stronger and clearer accommodation standards for Recognised Seasonal Employment workers, as a landmark court case remains undecided.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced government plans to strengthen accommodation standards for Recognised Seasonal Employment (RSE) workers, though a contentious court case remains unresolved. The changes, set to take effect in the coming year, include a migrant exploitation protection visa enabling workers to depart contracts and remain in New Zealand for up to six months.
Additionally, wage deductions will be simplified, and accreditation time for outstanding growers will be extended to six years. Workers will gain more flexibility to switch employers during their stay in Aotearoa, with the option to access the same protection mechanisms as temporary workers. The government clarified that poor-performing employers would face penalties.
However, decisions regarding accommodation standards will be made in September, with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) currently reviewing the RSE scheme. A landmark Employment Court case from October 2025, Soapi v Pick Hawkes Bay Inc, has shaped the review, highlighting concerns for Pacific workers and potential industry challenges.
The court ruled that employers could only deduct around 5% of wages for accommodation costs, significantly lower than the 15% previously deducted. Documents revealed that MBIE had considered rent caps between $150 to $211 per week per person, with employers only recovering actual costs, in April 2026. In a related decision, Minister Stanford opted to eliminate the mandatory 10% wage increase for new RSE workers, disregarding official advice.
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