More seasonal workers from Samoa are heading to work in New Zealand.

This is made possible under the partnership of the Government of Samoa and the Silver Fern Farms in New Zealand. 

At the farewell ceremony for 100 workers yesterday, Samoan Recognised Seasonal Employer Liaison Officer, Lemalu Nele Leilua said this year, the number of those recruited has increased with the addition of the Pacific Labor Scheme and the Pacific Partnership Scheme. 

Under the two new schemes, 10 qualified carpenters from Samoa will work in New Zealand for a period of over one year

“This is an opportunity for Samoan citizens to work overseas and earn income for their families and for themselves,” Lemalu said. 

She also highlighted some challenges associated with previous recruitments. 

“There were issues before with some workers who have been creating fake Facebook pages and reported some of the married men with palagi girls, which is not healthy for the women and their kids here in Samoa.

“And also for the fact that if anyone gets injured, I don’t want them to post their pictures up on Facebook because it’s a concern for the families here and they get worried about them,” Lemalu said. 

Forty-one-year-old Lisi Tanielu from Vailoa is a father of four and he sees a huge benefit by joining the scheme.

“It gives an enormous lesson for us especially the newcomers like us, in learning how to take care of our families,” Mr. Tanielu said.

“Here in Samoa, we always need money to survive and we cannot miss out on such an opportunity to learn something new and put bread on the table.”

This is not only a matter of them going overseas to earn income but it’s also an opportunity for them to learn how to speak English, learn how to be an expert in using knives and many other new things to absorb, Lemalu said. 

Silver Fern Farms Ltd is the biggest meat industry company in New Zealand and with the increasing number of workers; it promises huge benefits for Samoans and the company.

The next set of recruitment will take place around the same time next year.