Get Ready Pack: Information for RSE Workers

ISBN: 978-0-478-33338-1

welcome!

Welcome to RSE New Zealand.

RSE stands for Recognised Seasonal Employer. A Recognised Seasonal Employer is an employer that has been given approval by the New Zealand Government to recruit workers from offshore.

New Zealand’s fruit and vegetable growers need extra workers during some seasons to help with crops. You will be working in the horticulture (fruit and vegetables) or viticulture (wine) industries.

This information is to help you to make the most of your time working in New Zealand. Your employer and the Department of Labour will have more information on hand to help you with working and living in New Zealand.

It’s a great opportunity and it’s up to you to use it. We wish you well.

The New Zealand RSE Team

Money

Your Pay

Your money will go into a bank account which your employer will have arranged for you. You will receive a payslip telling you how much you were paid, how you were paid, and what your deductions were.

As a seasonal worker, you will be paid in one of three ways:

1. Hourly rate If your contract says you are being paid an hourly rate, this means you will be paid a set amount for every hour you work.

For example: If you work 30 hours and your hourly rate is $NZ12, you will be paid $NZ360 BEFORE tax and deductions. Tax and deductions reduce your pay.

2. piece rate A piece rate means you will be paid a certain amount each time you complete a particular task. For example in the apple industry, you can be paid a set price for every bin you fill with apples. This means the faster you work, the more you will be paid.

For example: if you are paid $NZ30 for every bin of apples you fill, and you fill 15 bins by the end of the week, you will be paid $NZ450 before tax and deductions. The more bins you fill the better.

3. combination In some cases you might change rates. This can happen when the kind of work you are doing changes. For example, sometimes when you are new to a job you can start on an hourly rate then change to a piece rate when you get more experience and can work faster.

You might be paid differently from your fellow worker if you are doing different work or being paid a different way.

Holiday Pay

You are entitled to annual holiday pay at a rate of 8% of your total before tax pay. Some employers include holiday pay in your weekly pay and others will pay it to you at the end of your employment.

You need to ensure you have sufficient money when you arrive in New Zealand to cover your expenses until your first pay.

If you have any issues with your payslip, contact your group leader or employer.

Deductions From Your Pay

The amount you earn will not be the final amount you get paid because you will have deductions. Even though you do not get this money in your hand, deductions help you to work and live in New Zealand, and have access to certain services.

Tax

Tax or PAYE is a compulsory deduction. Tax is money from your pay that goes to the New Zealand government. Everyone who works in New Zealand is taxed. Your employer can tell you how much tax is being deducted. You will also see it on your payslip.

Voluntary deductions

There are deductions that are voluntary and can only be done with your approval in writing. Allowing your employer to deduct the cost of these from your pay can make it easier for you to manage your money. Your employer must explain to you what you will be paid for, what is in your payslip, tell you about any deductions they are going to make and get your approval. You can withdraw your approval at any time but you will still need to pay back the money.

For your protection, all deductions will be shown to the Department of Labour for checking.

Travel cost deductions

Your employer and you share your airfare costs from your country of origin to New Zealand, half each. If your employer has paid the entire fare you need to pay back half the fare and this is where your employer may deduct that amount from your pay. You may have to pay your domestic travel costs.

Accommodation deductions

Your employer has to provide safe and suitable accommodation for you at a fair New Zealand price which will have been checked by the Department of Labour. They will deduct money for accommodation or you can pay it directly.

Power and other living costs

You should expect to pay for power and other living costs associated with your accommodation. You may also be required to pay some transport costs. You can get these deducted from your pay or you can pay them directly. Some employers include power in the price of your accommodation. Ask your employer what is included and what must be paid for separately.

After deductions you will have an amount left in your bank account. What you do with this is important!

Savings And Remittances

Savings

To save as much as you can you need to be strong. There are many things to tempt you to spend money on in New Zealand!

Your employer can help you to save by automatically putting some of your pay in a separate bank account and leaving you enough money to spend every week on living expenses. You must give your written approval for this.

Remittances (sending money home)

For a fee you can send money home. The bank that holds your account with will be able to help. But you can use other banks or businesses to send money. It is more expensive if you send money home frequently because there is a cost attached to each transaction. Talk to your employer about the best way to send money home.

Things to Remember

Pay and deductions: Your rate per hour might sound like a lot but there are deductions, and if you are not careful with the rest of your money and save, you may not go back with what you expect.

Experience: First time workers in New Zealand may not earn as much as return workers as they become good at what they do. So expect to be learning a lot and getting used to the work.

Piece rates: Piece rates are normally better than hourly rates if you are a fast worker who does a good job. This is because they pay you according to how fast and well you work. You will need to talk to your employer about whether you are paid piece rates or an hourly rate.

The New Zealand government and your employer understand that you want to achieve your goals. But it is up to you to make the most of your opportunity.

Relationships

What You Do For Your Employer

You will be expected to fulfil all the requirements in the contract you signed with your employer, including:

• coming to work on time
• looking after the place you are living
• good behaviour.

You also need to abide by New Zealand laws. If you break the law, the New Zealand police may get involved. If you are dismissed from your employment, you will not be eligible to remain in New Zealand.

Your employer also expects you to do the work required. You are expected to work when needed, this may include working on your Sabbath. Your hours of work will be set out in your employment agreement. The more work you do, the more you earn.

Team work is important, so talk to your team leader or employer about what is required. It is a good idea to watch and listen in the first few weeks so you get an idea of what’s expected. It will take a few weeks to settle in.

Talk to your employer about activities you can do when you are not working. They will be able to give you opportunities to do and learn new things.

What Your Employer Does For You

Apart from paying you for your work, your employer must take care of several things for you, for example:

• finding you suitable accommodation
• providing you cooking and living facilities
• paying you at least the minimum wage per hour
• providing you with a certain number of hours to work
• providing you with transport to and from your worksite.

Your employer also needs to provide you with pastoral care. Pastoral care is about looking after your well-being while you are in New Zealand. Employers are required to help you find services and community groups that help you with health issues, shopping, sport and attending church.

All RSE employers have to be approved by the New Zealand government to make sure they are suitable employers and can provide the necessary work, living and safety requirements for RSE workers.

Employers WANT you to go to them if you have a problem. Don’t be shy to approach them!

Problem Solving

If you have a problem the first thing you should do is raise the issue with your team leader or employer. You can do this yourself or ask your group leader to do it for you. Often disputes can be settled at this stage.

If you are not happy with the employer’s response, you should contact your Labour Inspector. Labour Inspectors are government officers who are there to make sure employers meet certain conditions for hiring you.

You can also contact a union, who are there to represent the rights of workers in New Zealand.

There are ways to make sure you are heard so make sure you talk to someone as soon as possible.

If a problem arises you can contact:

• Your group leader or employer
• Your government representative
• Your Labour Inspector on 0800 20 90 20
• Your union if you are a member

You can also contact your local New Zealand:

• Citizen’s Advice Bureau
• Community groups
• Free Law service
• Settlement Support Service

A list of contact numbers is provided at the end of this information sheet.

Employment

Agreement

You would have received an employment agreement as part of your offer of work. Your employer or their representative would have explained the agreement to you.

Every employee in New Zealand must have an employment agreement. This is an important document that explains what you must do for your employer and what the employer must do for you.

Your agreement will set out certain conditions which are law in New Zealand. These include leave, holiday pay, working on public holidays and sick leave.

Work Related Injuries

If you have an accident, you can apply through your doctor for aid from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). You will have paid your ACC fee with your tax. ACC offers personal injury cover which could help pay for medical treatment after an accident.

This includes medicine, special surgery or treatment but not general medical conditions like the flu.

NON-Work Related Illnesses

ACC does not cover illness. Medical insurance will cover any illness-related health costs that you may have while in New Zealand.

This insurance is available for a cost. It can cover expenses ranging from doctor visits and prescriptions, emergency dental treatment to hospitalisation, surgery and medical evacuation or repatriation to your home country.

Your can ask your employer to help you arrange medical insurance to cover any illness-related health costs.

Your Work Permit

You are not able to apply for any other type of immigration permit while in New Zealand. If you decide to leave your employer, you will not be allowed to stay in New Zealand. It might be possible for you to move and work for a different RSE employer, but this must always be agreed to by the Department of Labour before it happens.

You are required to return home at the completion of your work. If you do not comply with your work permit you may be prevented from returning to New Zealand.

If you comply with the conditions of your permit and are offered employment by an RSE, you may return to New Zealand in following seasons. You will need to re-apply as your permit expires when you leave New Zealand.

Unions

Unions are there to represent workers. You can join a union in New Zealand for a fee. As part of a union, workers can have their voice heard about issues in the workplace or get support when there is a dispute at work. Some unions have Pacific representatives that may speak your language.

Living Conditions

Weather

Prepare yourself for weather. New Zealand is a lot colder than what you are used to and you may be outside in some cold temperatures.

Be prepared to wear suitable clothing and footwear, use warm coverings for your bed and having warm showers can help. The best way to keep warm at night is to use lots of blankets. You will be provided with heaters and your employer can tell you how to use these efficiently.

Even in the warm months, from December to April, it is not as warm as the Pacific. The coldest months are July, August and September.

Your employer should have discussed with you what you will need if you are required to come in a cold season. They can also tell you what type of weather is likely in their region.

Accommodation

You can check with your employer or RSE agent or representative what accommodation will be provided, and what is provided with the accommodation. Employers understand that you cannot bring large items with you so bedding is supplied and should be used. But there may be some things you can bring from home to make yourself more comfortable.

Cooking facilities, washing machines and hot showers are available for your use. Make use of what has been made available to you and learn how to use them properly and they will save you time and effort.

It’s your responsibility to look after your accommodation by keeping it clean and tidy. Any damage caused might have to be paid for by you and this can be expensive.

Eating

You need to pay for your food. New Zealanders have a good variety of food that you buy from stores.

Try to eat well, and eat plenty. Three good meals a day should give you the strength and energy needed to work. You may need to eat heavy meals as the weather and the work you are doing require energy. Try not to eat lightly or miss lunch, and drink plenty of water.

Eating arrangements would have been made by your employer. Different workplaces have different ways of organising food for workers. If you are concerned about your eating arrangement please talk to your employer.

Staying Healthy

The weather and working environment in New Zealand can be hard on your health so keeping warm, washing regularly and wearing clean clothes daily will help.

It is especially important to wash off dirt regularly as this dirt can infect any cuts on your body. Using antibacterial or carbolic soap is the best way to avoid skin infections such as boils. Ask your employer to help find these for you.

Keeping yourself healthy will also help you to fend off illnesses.

There is also another type of health that is important – your well-being. You will be missing your families and your home more than you realise. Keeping in contact with them and sending money home is a way to connect.

Stay strong and remember that time will pass quickly. Spend the passing time focussed on what you have come to do and working hard.

If you are experiencing some stress you need to talk to your group leader or employer, or your government representative.

Going Home

You will be leaving New Zealand at the completion of your work with your RSE employer. If you have bought goods to take home with you on the plane, remember that if you take more than the weight allowed it will cost extra.

Try to plan to send your items home early. Talk to your employer about freight deals that will help you send goods home at a reasonable cost. The amount you save in freight charges will be more money in your pocket.

Remember to keep your New Zealand IRD number and your New Zealand Bank Account Number. You will need these if you return to New Zealand under RSE in future seasons. If you want to keep your New Zealand bank account open, you will need to leave enough money to cover any bank fees. You should also keep any warm clothing purchased during your time in New Zealand.

To get the most out of your RSE experience, you might want to talk to your government representative about any Financial Literacy or other training opportunities.

Contact Numbers

Labour Inspectors
0800 20 90 20

RSE Unit at Department of Labour (Immigration New Zealand)
0508 55 88 55

Healthline
0800 611 116

Settlement Support New Zealand
0800 776 948

Citizens Advice Bureau
0800 367 222

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
0800 698 646

Emergencies: Police, Fire, Ambulance
111

Checklist for Plane

You will be given documents that are needed for you to enter New Zealand and work. You must keep these important documents and bring them with you.

checklist

1. Passport with New Zealand Visa
2. Plane tickets
3. Employment agreement
4. Travel and health insurance documents (if applicable)
5. Drivers Licence (if you have one)
6. Money for the time before you are paid
7. List of contact numbers for home
8. New Zealand IRD number (if you have one)
9. New Zealand bank account number and EFT-pos card (if you have one)

Please ensure that your name on your plane tickets is spelt the same as your name in your passport.