In 2006, New Zealand introduced the Recognized Seasonal Employers Scheme (RSE) to fill labour shortages in the horticulture and viticulture industries. Under this scheme, employers can apply for RSE status to fill vacant positions. Priority is given to migrants coming from the Pacific, with the idea of encouraging a mutually beneficial relationship where employers have access to a secure labour supply and workers gain entrance into the New Zealand labour market.  Workers admitted under this programme cannot transfer to another type of permit and are required to return at the end of their contract.  Employers must pay half of the travel costs, pay market rates for work performed, guarantee payment for at least 240 hours of work, ensure hours of work average to 30 hours per week, provide healthcare, accommodation and in-country transportation costs, and must contribute to finding a worker who fails to return home at the end of their employment. 

 The RSE started in April 2007 and now provides places for up to 10,500 workers during the agricultural season (2016/17 figure). Preference is given to workers from Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Workers can remain for up to 7 out of 11 months. Workers under RSE are allowed to be re-employed in subsequent years, and there is a very strong record of their coming back.