New Zealand announces changes to seasonal worker scheme, implementation starts 2027
The New Zealand government has announced changes to its Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, introducing a simpler recruitment process, greater worker mobility and stronger protections for overseas workers.
The New Zealand government has announced changes to its Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, introducing a simpler recruitment process, greater worker mobility and stronger protections for overseas workers.
The changes, announced on July 28, 2026, follow a government review of the scheme, which enables horticulture and viticulture businesses to recruit workers from overseas to address seasonal labour shortages when suitable New Zealand workers are unavailable.
According to the government, the changes are intended to make the scheme easier for employers and workers to navigate while maintaining worker protections and ensuring businesses can access the labour required during peak seasons. The changes will be introduced in stages, beginning in early 2027.
Employers with a strong compliance record will benefit from longer accreditation periods, while new employers will initially receive one-year accreditation.
The government will also introduce a more targeted approach to compliance, with clearer expectations for employers and responses to breaches that are proportionate to the nature of the non-compliance.
The reforms will introduce clearer rules around costs that employers can recover from RSE workers. A standard cost recovery agreement will be introduced, allowing workers to understand and agree to applicable costs before travelling to New Zealand.
The government will also clarify the responsibilities of Country Liaison Officers, Immigration New Zealand and the Labour Inspectorate when concerns involving workers are raised.
The latest changes to New Zealand’s seasonal worker scheme come amid broader reforms to the country’s immigration system, including measures aimed at helping international students transition into the workforce.
The six-month visa is positioned as a transitional pathway for graduates seeking to secure skilled employment and potentially move into longer-term options such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa.