ON THE eve of Australia's seasonal worker scheme, New Zealand has announced its model has been a resounding success.
Up to 5000 Pacific Island workers have travelled to NZ to meet the country's horticultural labor shortage.
Apple growers in Hawkes Bay and Nelson - two of NZ's major growing regions - reported no shortage of workers for the first time in years.
NZ Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove said the scheme could still be improved by better pastoral care planning; allowing workers to change employers and adding a requirement for employers to disclose payments from workers.
Australia's guest worker scheme will begin this season with trials in the major growing regions of Swan Hill and Griffith.
