Seasonal workers bound for the orchids of New Zealand were sternly warned to behave well and work hard while they are in New Zealand.
Speaking during a pre-departure briefing for the workers yesterday Director of Trade Mr. Jack O’oi, warned the workers that the Ministry would not tolerate any incidents which would bring into disrepute Solomon Islands’ standing in the seasonal workers scheme.
The briefing is a key exercise carried out by government officials to prepare workers who travel to New Zealand and Australia for seasonal work.
“I must strongly warn all of you that the future of this scheme depends on all of you and as such you must behave well and always be punctual to work and adhere to the laws of the host country, in your case New Zealand. Don’t let us down.” Mr. O’oi said.
“You are the lucky ones to have been selected from hundreds of other applicants around the country and as such you should make use of the scheme to try and improve your lives and also of that of your families, villages, islands, provinces and Solomon Islands. “Mr O’oi told the workers.
He also told the workers that they must set a specific goal to achieve so that they can invest in projects that would benefit not only them but also their communities when they return from New Zealand.
He also stressed to the workers that they must work hard on the farms and be good ambassadors of the Country.
Some of the messages highlighted by the officials during the pre-departure orientation include the need for each individual worker to set aim and objective which they need to work toward achieving and also to be always punctual to work and always watch out for each other.
Also attending the pre departure yesterday were officials from the recruiting company in New Zealand.
The group of workers were recruited by New Zealand Company Mr Apple.
Solomon Islands currently has more than 400 locals who are recruited by various farms in New Zealand.