Bay of Plenty holds sports festival to honour RSE workers

Following the success of the inaugural Games last week, staff at the Bay of Plenty Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSEs) are looking to add an annual Games to their calendars.

More than 300 workers gathered at Blake Park in Mount Maunganui for the inaugural sports festival co-hosted by the Bay of Plenty Rugby and the New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Association.

Although there was nothing wrong with the game on the field, the camaraderie between the players was the highlight of the day.

Everyone agreed, and the workers, who were in the spotlight that day, said they would support the event being held annually.

Ratu Peceli Lacanivalu, a Fijian worker from Naitasiri who works for EastPack, said the day made them forget the stress of missing their family back home.

“Well, we had a lot of fun and thanks to Bay of Plenty Rugby for giving us this opportunity to enjoy the game,” he said after leading the EastPack Sevens to the title.

“We’ve been in New Zealand for so long that we missed our families back home. Most of us boys and sisters are from the villages in Fiji and some are from the islands.

“It’s a whole new experience working here and we really appreciate and enjoy the climate and atmosphere of Mount Maunganui.

“It was great to meet brothers and sisters who work in other companies, some of whom are our relatives. We didn’t know if we worked in the same area, but we were able to meet that day.

“We want to do this every year so that everyone can come together.”

Colin Shem, a Ni-Vanuatu who works at Bay Kiwifruit, agreed that this day is one where workers can rejoice with their fellow countrymen.

He said the day gave them a chance to meet other relatives they didn’t know about who also worked in the Bay of Plenty.

“That was the best day because most of the time when we get here we don’t know where our friends are,” he said.

“We have been busy with work and this gave us the opportunity to meet up with friends and family. Thank you to the committee for hosting a sports day like today.”

Fellow worker Trevor Arunabat from Malekula has worked at RSE for seven years but has never seen any sports events held by workers.

“I’m really happy to be here today,” he said.

“RSE workers have never held a sports day in previous years. This is the first time.”

Bay of Plenty Rugby Club board chairman Scott Khale said they were pleased to be working with RSE stakeholders on a program that recognises the achievements of workers.

He said their work with kiwifruit growers and producers now also involved ensuring workers were able to enjoy breaks like sports days.

“We have great relationships with a number of packing houses and this is a great way to recognise the RSE workers in the area and give them the opportunity to come here and enjoy sports such as rugby, volleyball and football,” he said.

He said RSE workers were vital to New Zealand’s industry and their contribution was huge.

“It’s really important, we’ve seen the government put in place some policies, without the workers our harvest wouldn’t be successful,” he said.

“This move has received strong support from packing houses and industry stakeholders.”

Bay of Plenty Waiariki Regional Public Service Commissioner (RPSC) Ezra Schuster said hosting the Games was a celebration.

He stressed the importance of the work done by RSE staff and the need for them to celebrate their achievements.

“They are a critical workforce that drives our economy, especially in the horticulture sector, and they are a vital part of our community,” Shuster said.

“The economic benefits these workers receive in their home countries are significant.

“Today is a day of great significance. We Pacific people love to laugh, we love to play sports. Today is a day for Pacific people to celebrate the harvest.

“It’s a celebration.”

Meanwhile, EastPack dominated on the field, taking the men’s rugby sevens and co-ed volleyball titles. The company has many Fijian workers playing for both teams.

WESKCO, a team made up of Vanuatu players, won the men’s football championship.