Prime Minister Consult with 700 Samoa RSE workers in Blenheim

Blenheim, New Zealand – 23 July 2026 – Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataʻivao Fosi Schmidt concluded his official mission to New Zealand on Wednesday evening with the largest community consultation of the visit, meeting with more than 700 Samoan Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in Blenheim.

Held in the Marlborough region—home to New Zealand’s largest concentration of RSE workers—the gathering brought together Samoan workers from across the South Island for an evening of fellowship, consultation and open dialogue with the Prime Minister and the Government delegation.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Hon. Fata Ryan Schuster, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour; Afioga Fepulea’i Roger Toleafoa, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL); Afioga Afemata Palusalue Faʻapo II Sakaio Lemalu, Consul-General of Samoa to Auckland, New Zealand, together with senior Government officials and members of the delegation.

Throughout the New Zealand mission, the delegation undertook extensive site visits to RSE workplaces and worker accommodation across Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. The visits enabled the Ministry to engage directly with workers and employers, assess working and living conditions firsthand, and gather valuable feedback to strengthen Samoa’s participation in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa thanked the workers for their resilience, commitment and sacrifice.

“I know the work you do is not easy, especially during these cold winter months. But even more difficult is being away from your loved ones—your parents, your husband or wife, your children and your families back home. “E lē faigofie le ola taumamao ma ē pele i o outou loto.” Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. It’s not easy top be living away from your loved ones.

The Prime Minister reflected on the personal sacrifices made by many seasonal workers, acknowledging that employment overseas often means missing some of life’s most precious moments.

He said he was deeply moved to learn that many workers have had to miss birthdays, weddings, family celebrations and even the funerals of loved ones, often only able to watch these occasions through livestreams or video calls while continuing their work in New Zealand.

“While you are working hard to provide for your families, many of you are also sacrificing moments that can never be replaced. Missing your child’s birthday, your parents’ special occasions, or saying goodbye to a loved one through a phone or computer screen is a heavy burden to carry. These are sacrifices that many people never see, but they deserve to be recognised and honoured.”

A highlight of the evening was an open consultation and question-and-answer session, during which the Prime Minister encouraged a free-flowing discussion and invited workers to openly raise questions, concerns and suggestions.

The Prime Minister emphasised that meaningful consultation remains central to the Government’s approach.

“The best decisions are made when Government listens directly to its people. Your experiences, your concerns and your ideas are invaluable and will help shape the future of this programme for generations to come.”

Sme of the RSE employers at the meeting and the Awards night.

The evening also featured a special Awards Recognition Ceremony, recognising outstanding RSE teams and individuals for their dedication, teamwork, leadership and exceptional contribution throughout the season.

Congratulating the award recipients, the Prime Minister said the awards reflected the strong reputation Samoan workers have earned over many years through hard work, discipline, professionalism and integrity.

The Prime Minister also paid special tribute to Mr. Tanuvasa Tomasi Peni, Samoa’s Labour Mobility Officer for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in New Zealand’s South Island, acknowledging his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Samoan workers.

He also paid special recognition was also given to Rev. Peniamina, fellow ministers of religion, church congregations and the wider Samoan community in Blenheim for their faithful pastoral care and unwavering support of Samoa’s seasonal workers.

The Prime Minister also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government of New Zealand, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and the Office of the Prime Minister of New Zealand for their partnership and assistance in facilitating the official mission.

He thanked them for the warm hospitality extended to the Samoan delegation throughout the visit and reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Samoa and New Zealand, built on mutual respect, cooperation and shared prosperity.

The Blenheim consultation marked the successful conclusion of a week-long programme across Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Marlborough, during which the Prime Minister and Government delegation met with seasonal workers, employers, community leaders, church representatives, the Samoa High Commission, the Consulate-General of Samoa in Auckland, and senior representatives of the New Zealand Government, including Prime Minister Rt Hon. Christopher Luxon.