Grumblings on the grapevine: ni-Vanuatu seasonal workers in NZ

06:03 am on 14 February 2018

Over 4000 people from Vanuatu are working in New Zealand's horticulture and viticulture industries this year under the Recognised Seasonal Employer or RSE scheme.

Ni-Vanuatu, or ni-Vans, as they're known, make up the lion's share of the workforce in Marlborough's all-important grape growing sector.

Johnny Blades went to Blenheim and found out that while the ni-Vans relish the opportunity to earn valuable remittances, there are signs of disquiet about the workers' personal rights.

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Ni-Vanuatu RSE workers working for contractor Hortus in the vineyard. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades