Your RSE contract
PIoWR Learning Hub · about 5 minutes, including the quiz · For: Seasonal Workers
In this lesson you will learn:
- What an RSE employment agreement must include
- Pay, hours and sick leave rules
- Who to call in New Zealand
The RSE scheme
New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme lets accredited horticulture and viticulture employers hire workers, mainly from Pacific countries, for seasonal work. An RSE season runs from 1 July to 30 June.
Your written agreement
Your employer must give you a written contract explaining your pay, work hours, holiday pay, sick leave and work conditions. It must say your employer will pay at least 50% of your return airfare (for citizens of Tuvalu and Kiribati, half the return airfare between Nadi and New Zealand).
Pay and hours
- At least the NZ minimum wage; from your third season, at least 10% above the minimum wage.
- For agreements of 6 weeks or more: you must be paid the greater of 240 hours, or an average of 30 hours a week over each 4 weeks, at your hourly rate — even if work is not available. Under 6 weeks: 40 hours a week.
- Paid for every hour you work; 8% holiday pay.
- Sick leave: 2 days from day one, 2 more each month, up to 10 days after 4 months.
- Deductions only with your written approval; you can ask in writing to change or stop one.
Living and support
Your employer must provide safe, approved accommodation, free transport to and from work, arrange medical insurance, support pastoral care, and let you join or contact a union. If you are injured, you can apply to ACC through your doctor — tell your employer straight away.
Changes are coming: New Zealand announced RSE changes on 28 July 2026, to start in stages from early 2027. Current rules stay until then.
Who to call
Employment NZ migrant exploitation line 0800 200 088 (interpreters available), Employment NZ 0800 20 90 20, your Country Liaison Officer or High Commission. In immediate danger, call 111.
Key points
- Your RSE contract must be written and include pay, hours, holiday pay and sick leave.
- Minimum pay: the greater of 240 hours or 30 hours a week averaged over 4 weeks (agreements of 6+ weeks).
- Employer pays at least half your return airfare.
- Report exploitation: 0800 200 088.
Self-check quiz. Choose your answers, then check them. The correct answers are shown after you check. Nothing is recorded.
Sources
- Immigration NZ — Your rights as an RSE worker
- Immigration NZ — Minimum requirements for RSE employment agreements
- Immigration NZ — Pay and sick leave for RSE workers
- Immigration NZ — Changes announced to the RSE scheme
- Employment NZ — Migrant exploitation
This lesson is general information, not legal advice. Checked 2 October 2026.
Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations — Fair Conditions At Work