March 2, 2016
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Local Folk page 9 While on a global campaign to reduce greenhouse emissions , Kiribati President Anote Tong visited Southern Paprika in Warkworth last month.
Warkworth Kiribati resettlement role praised Warkworth is leading the way in enabling people from Kiribati to resettle with dignity, according to Kiribati President Anote Tong. President Tong visited capsicum producer Southern Paprika on Woodcocks Road, last month. He was in New Zealand as part of a global tour to get countries to reduce greenhouse emissions. Finding a future for Kiribati’s 104,000
people has become a priority for President Tong. The small island nation, which is on average just two metres above sea level, is at the coalface of rising sea levels and ocean acidification. “I’m preaching to the world for migration with dignity,” Mr Tong said. “Warkworth is doing exactly that.” The Government’s Recognised Seasonal Employee (RSE) visa
arrangement was key to this process. Southern Paprika employs about 70 to 80 permanent Kiribati workers and 38 seasonal workers through the RSE scheme. During a meeting with Southern Paprika managing director Hamish Alexander, the pair said the scheme could be improved. Mr Alexander said the RSE rules
required businesses to apply for new permits each year and gave no certainty that workers could return. “It would be great to get multiyear approval for applications,” Mr Alexander said. “At the moment we have no certainty. How are we meant to make a capital investment if we don’t know whether we will have the
off the drawing board this month . . .
New Home - Sandspit
awell Graham SARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
PH 425 9759
9 Falls St • Warkworth
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