NEWSROOM: 17 February - 23 February 2008

Month-long showcase of Pacific talent
23 February 2008 - Source: Celebrate Pasifika Presse Release

A regional programme of arts and events that reflects the unique talents of Pacific cultures
in Auckland will again come together as Celebrate Pasifika from 1 to 29 March.

Celebrate Pasifika 2008 aims to showcase the achievements of Auckland's Pacific communities and provide opportunities for Aucklanders and visitors alike to engage with Auckland's Pacific cultures.

The 2008 Celebrate Pasifika programme encompasses a range of events including film, performing arts, concerts, sculpture, sport, children’s activities and expos. Highlights include the ASB Polyfest, Celebrate Pasifika story-telling, the Flat White, Black Pearl exhibition, Pacific Trade Expo and Pollywood SIX08.

Launched in 2005, Celebrate Pasifika grew to support the original Pasifika Festival, which still features in the wider programme. The initiative is a positive regional partnership that promotes the important contribution Pacific Island people make to Auckland’s creativity, vibrancy and diversity.

The Celebrate Pasifika programme is a fusion of contemporary and traditional flavours of Pacific culture and offers something for everyone.

Auckland City Council, Waitakere City Council, Niu FM, Radio 531pi, the Ministry of Pacific
Island Affairs along with many artists, venue managers and event producers are working
collaboratively in 2008 to support the growth of the festival into the future.

Visit www.celebratepasifika.com for more information on Celebrate Pasifika and programme details.

PIAF applauds brave new campaign
22 February 2008 - Source: Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation Press Release

Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation applauds the five brave HIV-positive women who have become the face of a new HIV campaign, launched by Positive Women Inc in New Zealand today.

The public campaign aims to make New Zealanders question their assumptions about those living with HIV, and to increase awareness that women are at risk of HIV infection. The five women featured in the de-stigmatisation campaign will have their faces and profiles posted on buses, websites, and in magazines around New Zealand over the next two months.

“It is a brave and fantastic move these women have made today to feature themselves so publicly,” says Maire Bopp Dupont Allport, PIAF CEO.

“PIAF congratulates the Positive Women Inc for the amazing work they do to fight stigma and discrimination, and for raising the profile of women with HIV.”

The rate of heterosexual HIV infection has been steadily increasing in both New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. In Papua New Guinea, the worst HIV-affected country in the Pacific region, UNAIDS reports that more HIV infections were diagnosed in women than in men in 2003. Papua New Guinean girls aged 15-19 also have four times the rate of infection compared to boys of the same age group according to reported cases.

“We thank the courageous women who have come forward about their HIV status,” says Maire. “This campaign will send a clear message that women are living with HIV too and it will be a hopeful message to all women living with HIV that we are not alone.”

Many women diagnosed with HIV were unaware of their risk of infection, Jane Bruning says, the National Coordinator of Positive Women Inc in a press release. “They were women in love, women having a fun night out or women who threw caution to the wind.”

Positive Women Inc is a support organisation for women (and families) living with HIV/AIDS. The organisation provides a drop-in centre, support groups, as well as workshops, an annual retreat and many other support services. There is also a secondary focus on education and prevention in the community.

Tokelauan Tai Chi Class goes from strength to strength
21 February 2008 - Source: Presbyterian Support Press Release

More than 20 Tokelauan people are attending the Presbyterian Support Central Tai Chi class at the Pahina O Tokelau Church. The class is a mix of ages from 55 to 70, male and female. All of the participants are Tokelauan and the class is taught in Samoan and English.

“The class has grown over the past 4 weeks and everyone who started is returning each week”, said Minister Tui. “Not only does it get the older people moving, with it being held twice a week great friendships are being made”, he said.

The modified Tai Chi class is funded by ACC. The aim of the classes is to prevent falls in older people who live in their own home. The classes are for anyone 65 years and over, as well as for Maori and Pacific Islanders who are aged 55 and over.

Presbyterian Support Central runs Tai Chi classes in a number of areas around Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, and Kapiti Coast. The programme includes classes twice a week for a total for 20 weeks. It helps to improve lower body strength, and balance. It also helps with postural alignment and concentration.

For more information contact:
Liz Inch (Communications Coordinator, Presbyterian Support Central)
Email: liz.inch@psc.org.nz
Phone: 04 439 4927
Fax: 04 472 5396
Mobile: 027 563 6237.

Western Union announces winners of Back to School lucky draw
20 February 2008 - Source: Western Union Press Release

50 Tongan children will have a head start at school this year thanks to the Back to School promotion run by the Western Union Company, a worldwide leader in money transfer services.

The Western Union Back to School promotion gave consumers in Tongan the chance to win one of 50 prize packs containing backpacks, stationery and other school essentials. Every customer receiving funds from New Zealand through Western Union from 1-23 January 2008 was given a raffle ticket to enter the lucky draw.

The 50 winners, from locations throughout Tonga, were awarded with their prizes at a ceremony held at the head office of Fund Management Ltd, Western Union’s Agent in Tonga, on Friday 25 January 2008.

Robina Nakao, CEO of Fund Management Ltd., Western Union’s Tongan Agent, said the competition was a great way to reward customers.

“The Back to School promotion was very well received by our customers. The winners were thrilled and many of them gave personal speeches of thanks. It’s great to be able to run a programme which is so relevant to our customers here in Tonga, and to reward them for receiving, rather than just sending, funds,” said Ms Nakao.

“The school year in Tonga started on Monday 29 January, so our winners received their prizes at a perfect time.”

Bridget Dennis, Western Union’s regional manager, New Zealand and Isles said Western Union is pleased to be able to offer such a practical prize.

“We look forward to seeing the winners’ children and grandchildren using the Western Union packs throughout the school year,” said Ms Dennis.

Western Union operates through a network of over 10 Agent locations in Tonga (new locations in Eua and Ha’apai opened in 2007), and a network of over 600 Agent locations in New Zealand, making transferring funds from New Zealand to Tonga easy and hassle free.

Wellington Pasifika Festival rocks Frank Kitts Park
19 February 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

The inaugural Absolutely Positively Wellington Pasifika Festival, which celebrated the significance of Pacific Island life, was held last Saturday at the Frank Kitts Park in the heart of Wellington.

The park was filled with Pacific Island flavour and rhythm, festival goers, stall-holders and people of all ages coming together to witness the inaugural celebration of the Pacific culture in the Capital.

The Wellington Mayor, Her Worship Kerry Prendergast opened the festival. Dr Colin Tukuitonga, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs was another key speaker who spoke highly of the event as a chance for Wellingtonians to celebrate their Pacific identity. Other dignitaries on the day included Pacific MP Charles Chauvel.

The Tongan choir opened the day with a beautiful range of church hymns followed by a stunning performance by the Newtown Samoa Aoga Amata (early childhood), a group of three to five year old performing traditional Samoan siva. Other groups followed throughout the day with their own ethnic performances, including a fashion show by Lagi Island Styles, which displayed a variety of distinctive fabric and island materials. The models displayed a wide selection from small to large sizes.

The stalls were well represented by a mix of government agencies, organisations and Pacific nations representing seven ethnic groups; Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue. The majority of the village stalls displayed traditional handicrafts from tapa to embroidery, shell jewellery, and a range of food ranging from sausage sizzles to larger meals.

The variety of performances was spectacular throughout the day, complemented by Tofiga Fepulea’i of the Laughing Samoans, as Master of Ceremonies. The Pacific communities congratulated the Wellington City Council and the Pasifika Advisory group for organising such a wonderful event for the people living in the Wellington region and areas nearby. It is hoped that the festival will be an annual event and something for Pacific people in Wellington to look forward to every year.

Cooperation between NZ, Cooks on social services
18 February 2008 - Source: New Zealand MSD / Cook Islands MIA Joint Press Release

New Zealand's Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Social Services of the Cook Islands have signed a Cooperation Arrangement to promote a closer working relationship.

"The arrangement offers benefits to both of our organisations and will promote cooperation and the sharing of information between us on social services policy and delivery, social sector strategies and strategic planning," said Peter Hughes, the Chief Executive of New Zealand's Ministry of Social Development.

"Already we have seen real gains as a result of the strengthened relationship. With input from New Zealand officials, the Office of the Prime Minister and other stakeholders, we have developed a draft strategic directions document for our Ministry," said Tamari'i Tutangata, Secretary of Internal Affairs and Social Services of the Cook Islands.

The arrangement will see the Ministry of Social Development offer a range of support to the Cook Islands Ministry over the next three years including:
• Support for the development of policy papers on key issues including children and families, welfare services, older people, non-government organisations and labour.
• Sharing of best practice and standards around Family Group Conferences and social work.
• Assistance with the development of a human resources development plan.
• Advice on the design of a benefit payments system and information management system.
• Communication advice.

"We look forward to a positive and productive working relationship that will enhance the professionalism of both our organisations", said Peter Hughes and Tamari'i Tutangata.


For further information, please contact:
Bronwyn Saunders, Ministry of Social Development Chief Media Advisor ph +64 4 916 3447 or +64 29 916 3887 or bronwyn.saunders002@msd.govt.nz
Eva Mapu, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Social Services, administration@intaff.gov.ck

Forum builds momentum for Recognised Seasonal Employer Policy
17 February 2008 - Source: Department of Labour Press Release

The Department of Labour has hosted a two day forum to review the first 12 months of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) policy.

The forum titled “Getting the best out of RSE” was held in Wellington on 11 and 12 February and brought together representatives from the horticulture and viticulture industries, employers and workers, government officials and delegates from Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Representatives from the World Bank also attended.

Over the two day period discussion centred on what areas of the policy have been successful and what areas need further development to ensure ongoing success.

Kerupi Tavita, the Department of Labour’s Group Manager Service International, said the forum had been particularly valuable.

“The forum provided the opportunity for all parties affected by the policy to air their views on how it’s gone in the first 10 months. There were a number of issues identified but the overwhelming feeling is one of strong support for the policy and a genuine determination by all to make sure it carries on well in to the future.”

“The Department of Labour will now take the information gathered at the forum and develop a way ahead for the policy, working out ways to make the process simpler and ensure it remains a win-win situation for all parties.”

“We have seen significant successes from the policy, from employers who have been able to meet their seasonal labour needs for the first time in many years, to workers who have been able to earn enough money to build new houses in their home countries and improve their standard of living.”

“This is a policy that has so much scope to provide significant benefits to New Zealand industry and the development of Pacific nations. Once we iron out the wrinkles this policy will be one all New Zealanders can be proud of.”

The event was followed by the World Bank forum: Labour Mobility in Distant Lands which concluded on 14 February.


BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

What were the results of the forum?

The forum involved free and frank discussion on a number of issues relating to the RSE policy. It identified what has been working well and areas where the current policy can be improved.

Successes:

• All five of the “Kick Start States” (Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) have been engaged in the scheme and have workers currently working in New Zealand.
• At the end of the first 10 months of the RSE policy it is estimated almost 5000 Pacific workers will have been engaged under the scheme.
• Robust communication methods are in place between New Zealand and Pacific Islands Governments, employers and industry representatives.
• Travel solutions – Employers recruiting from Tuvalu and Kiribati pay half of the return airfare from Fiji.
• Plans to set up regional Transitional RSE Co-ordinators are underway.
• RSE is providing a reliable workforce: Feedback from early adopters of RSE’s indicate that while initial investment and costs are high to source workers under RSE, they have experienced less stress and visible outputs in having a reliable workforce

Issues:

• Pastoral care – need identified for funding pastoral care for workers while in New Zealand.
• Employers need to provide full information to workers about deductions and what actual take-home pay is likely to be before workers arrive in New Zealand to help manage expectation.
• Longer-term planning. There is documented evidence that the worker shortage will continue. Proposal raised for a five year planning cycle to allow a more considered approach to sourcing labour from the Pacific.
• Policy flexibility – need identified to review the current policy and identify where more flexibility can be injected to allow a greater utility for both workers and employers.
• Communications – need identified to raise the profile of the RSE policy to raise participation levels from both Pacific states and employers.

Why was the forum held?

The second Kick Start Forum followed up on discussions held with Pacific states and industry in December 2006.

The purpose of the first forum was to commence discussions on arrangements for implementing the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy. Discussions centred on how each kick start Pacific state could establish a work-ready pool of workers from which New Zealand can recruit. The forum also provided an opportunity for horticulture and viticulture employers to talk with Pacific states about things that are important to their needs and to also link with other supporters of the scheme such as the World Bank and the Council of Trade Unions.

The second forum examined the progress and implementation of the outcomes from the first Forum, lessons that have been learned and ways forward for the ongoing improvement and success of the RSE policy.

Who attended the forum?

The forum brought together representatives from the horticulture and viticulture industries, employers and workers, government officials and members of pacific island nations.

What is the RSE policy?

The RSE policy is the New Zealand government’s response to the seasonal labour needs of the horticulture and viticulture industry.

The policy has been designed to ensure New Zealanders get first opportunities at jobs and contains strong incentives for employers to train and up-skill the domestic workforce.

If there are no New Zealanders available to do the job, employers can apply to the Department of Labour to recruit workers from Pacific states.
The Pacific has been prioritised due to our special relationship with the region, and our commitment to its economic development and stability.

Under the policy, Pacific workers will be able to return to New Zealand year after year and continue to increase both their skills and the productivity or our horticulture and viticulture industries.

Why was the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy implemented?

New Zealand’s low unemployment and global competition for low skilled labour led to an increase in labour shortages – especially in the horticulture and viticulture industries.
In order to remain competitive with the rest of the world with quality, innovation and productivity, the horticulture and viticulture industries require an ongoing supply of labour to fill seasonal shortages.

Government has addressed these shortages in a number of ways – such as increasing the number of working holiday makers to New Zealand however the industry still faces labour limitations, and the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy was introduced to help meet these needs.

How does the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy work?

Employers can apply to recruit overseas workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy only when there are no New Zealanders available to do the work. The Ministry of Social Development is responsible for identifying regions with seasonal labour shortages.

To recruit overseas workers, an employer must apply for Recognised Seasonal Employer status through the Department of Labour. To gain recognition, an employer must provide evidence of good workplace practices, the ability to pay market rates and a commitment to providing pastoral care for workers. Once an employer gains recognition, it initially lasts for two years.

Once an employer has recognition, they can submit an Agreement to Recruit application to the Department of Labour, which outlines how many workers they need, where they plan to recruit from, and other details around the employment of overseas workers and how they can meet responsibilities. Although employers must submit a new application each season, they are likely to choose to recruit workers they have employed (and up-skilled) in previous seasons.

The next step is for workers to apply for Seasonal Work visas. Applicants must meet health and character requirements, including TB testing where necessary, and show evidence of arrangements to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.

What regions are identified as eligible due to Labour Shortages?

The Ministry of Social Development is responsible for identifying regions with seasonal labour shortages in the horticultural and viticulture industries.

Regions with current seasonal labour shortages are:
• Central Otago (until 31 May 2008)
• Central Hawkes Bay, Hastings and Napier (until 30 June 2008)
• Keri Keri (until 31 August 2008)
• Marlborough (until further notice)
• Nelson/Tasman (until further notice)

How long can workers stay in New Zealand?

Successful Recognised Seasonal Work Visa applicants can stay in New Zealand for seven months during any 11 month period.

How many places are available under the policy?

The Recognised Seasonal Employer policy is currently capped at 5,000.

The number of available places will vary each year depending on the forecast of New Zealanders available and industry demand. The Department of Labour and the Ministry of Social Development will generate this information.

Is the Recognised Seasonal Employer Policy open to all Pacific countries?

Under the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy, employers are able to recruit from all Pacific Islands Forum nations.

The Department of Labour kick started the scheme initially by working with five countries – Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to develop measures that will help facilitate their ability to take advantage of the policy, i.e. assisting with recruitment, vetting, and orientation.

It’s about New Zealander’s first and foremost:

Like all immigration policy, the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy is designed to ensure New Zealanders are put first, and employers have strong incentives to train and up-skill the domestic workforce and utilise unemployed New Zealand labour before looking elsewhere. This is backed up by the following:

• Local labour must be exhausted (or predicted to be exhausted) for offshore labour to be recruited
• Recognised employers must demonstrate a commitment to recruiting and training New Zealanders
• The Department of Labour and MSD will forecast labour shortages and restrict numbers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy to ensure unemployed New Zealanders are given first opportunities at jobs.

Photo #1: RSE Kick Start key officials and representatives from industry, government & Pacific states.

Photo #2: RSE’s Mr Apple, Vinepower & Seasonal Solutions.

Photo #3: RSE Project Leader, Tofilau Kerupi Tavita.

Photo #4: World Bank Representatives with Jamaica, Sri Lanka, Philippines.

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