The Fiji High Commission in Wellington is taking significant steps to enhance the skills of Fijian forestry workers employed in New Zealand. Under the direction of Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, the initiative aims to ensure that workers are well-prepared and meet industry standards before their arrival in the country.
Recently, Ratu Inoke, accompanied by Second Secretary Josua Tuwere, met with representatives from Te Wananga o Aotearoa University’s Waiwhero Campus in Rotorua, alongside Joe Taute from Mahi Rakau Forest Management (MRFM), the largest employer of Fijian forestry workers in the area. The meeting centered on establishing a framework for targeted training programs that cater specifically to the needs of Fijian workers.
A significant topic discussed was the exclusion of the forestry sector from New Zealand’s Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme, which has created gaps in monitoring worker contracts and performance in this sector. Despite this challenge, Ratu Inoke remains optimistic that the training initiatives designed to align with New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) standards will help address these issues effectively.
Both Te Wananga o Aotearoa and Mahi Rakau Forest Management have expressed their commitment to developing training courses based in Fiji, which would equip workers for successful employment in New Zealand. In continuation of these efforts, the High Commission’s team plans to visit Rotorua next month to engage with Fijian forestry workers, community leaders, and pastors, providing updates on the progress of the negotiations concerning forestry training programs.
This initiative not only highlights the emphasis on skill development but also showcases a proactive approach to addressing labor gaps and enhancing the employability of Fijian workers abroad. The commitment to meeting industry standards through training indicates a bright future for Fijian forestry workers in New Zealand’s market.
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