4. Question No. 4—ImmigrationCATHERINE WEDD (National—Tukituki) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 4—Immigration4. CATHERINE WEDD (National—Tukituki) to the Minister of Immigration: What recent announcements has she made about supporting businesses to access critical seasonal workforces?Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Immigration): Last week I was proud to announce more support for Kiwi businesses by revitalising the recognised seasonal employer (RSE) scheme and increasing the cap for the coming season to 20750 workers—increasing by 1250. I also announced that we'd created a new subcategory of the specific purpose work visa to respond to the upcoming seasonal peaks. This will provide a streamlined path for businesses who need to bring in temporary seasonal workers. These changes will help rebuild our economy grow our exports support our key growth sectors and primary sectors and provide important opportunities for work and skills development for our Pacific neighbours.Catherine Wedd: Why did she make these changes?Hon ERICA STANFORD: It's clear to me that many of our immigration settings are not fit for purpose. While we have made some important changes earlier this year to the accredited employer work visa further changes were necessary particularly for those businesses that need access to temporary seasonal workers to grow productivity and increase our exports. My vision is to have immigration settings which strike the balance between providing businesses access to the workforce that they need to thrive and grow our economy while ensuring that we are giving Kiwis every opportunity to be in work. Getting our immigration settings right is critical to this Government's plan to rebuild the economy to get New Zealand back on track and these changes are just the start.Catherine Wedd: What feedback has she received about the changes to the recognised seasonal employer scheme?Hon ERICA STANFORD: I have received overwhelmingly positive feedback as I know that member has as well. The New Zealand Apples & Pears chief executive Karen Morrish has welcomed the changes and said that they will go a long way to easing pressures on apple and pear growers. Cameron Taylor from Taylor Corp an orchard in Hawke's Bay said We're really pleased with the announcement of policy changes to the RSE scheme. They may seem small but they will make a big difference especially when the industry in Hawke's Bay has some cyclone recovery ahead." These changes are just the start. The next phase of our work programme will consider substantive longer-term options to further improve the wider RSE scheme.Catherine Wedd: What feedback has she received about a seasonal subcategory of the specific purpose work visa?Hon ERICA STANFORD: Over the last few months I've had the opportunity to talk to representatives of the viticulture horticulture agriculture rural contractors and many more who have spoken of the need for a streamlined visa pathway for seasonal workers. All have been overwhelmingly positive about the changes. For example Philip Gregan from New Zealand Winegrowers said that "This was a good idea. It solves a problem that we've had." and that "We're very pleased with the outcome. We couldn't have asked for more." I want an immigration system that protects the integrity of our borders creates opportunities for people to come here and make a meaningful contribution but also prioritises New Zealanders' opportunities to work and thrive."