Each year, thousands of Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers arrive in Tasman to help pick and pack the fruit that keeps the district moving. Many return year after year, building friendships at work and connections across the community.
In this regular Q&A series, we meet some of those workers and hear their stories in their own words.
This month The Guardian talks to Mele Latu, a packhouse worker who is training in quality control and phyto-sanitation at Fairfield Orchards.
How many years have you returned to Motueka?
I have been coming for four years.
Where have you come from?
Havalu in Tonga.
What makes your hometown special?
There is good fishing there - bone [bonefish], ume [unicornfish], hokomo [parrotfish], ngatala [grouper], and tabe toke [reef eel]. My favourite is vasuva [giant clam].
What are you working towards here?
To save my money for my four-year-old daughter’s schooling.
What do you enjoy about Motueka?
I like the sport, especially netball – although I don’t have much opportunity to play because I am too busy.
What’s something you wish New Zealanders better understood about RSE workers or your culture?
It is good work and good money. You do big hours in your week, but it’s good to be helping family back in Tonga.
