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The first few dozen of hundreds of Tongan seasonal workers are due to be repatriated to Tonga from New Zealand Tuseday.
Those travelling need to show at departure that they are free of the virus, with tests having been done in the past week.
The liaison for the Tongans under New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer, or RSE, scheme, Sefita Hao'uli, expects there will be up to 70 workers, among a total of 140 going home.
He told Don Wiseman how the workers were chosen for this first RSE flight.
Tongan community liaison, Sefita Hao'uli Photo: Tangata O Le Moana