Seasonal Workers, Seniors and Chocolate

Good Morning and Welcome to this week’s Gospel and Culture update, by Alan Vink
Seasonal Workers, Seniors and Chocolate
Monday 22nd August 2022

Seasonal Workers

The Horticulture and Viticulture industry in NZ is worth $10b. It is vital to our economy. The RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) scheme is also vital to the success of this industry. Essentially it is a scheme approved by Government where Pacific seasonal workers are brought to NZ so that they can make money and send it home.

“The RSE scheme is a mutually beneficial partnership supporting the economies and communities of both Pacific nations and New Zealand. Pacific workers receive training, mentoring and develop skills they can take home to begin their own business ventures, while earning an income that is sent back to their families and the wider community. The scheme has been recognised by the World Bank as one of the best migrant labour schemes in the world”. Source: Horticulture NZ

On TVNZ’s Sunday programme last night (first story) we were made aware that some employers are exploiting these people so much so that the Government is going to do a review (have a look what’s going on) early next year.

POV. It goes without saying that no one who is employed in NZ should ever be exploited. Here is an opportunity for churches to reach out especially churches located in rural NZ. Perhaps we could consider being advocates for better conditions if that is what is needed and/or offer support to workers all of whom are away from their homes and families for months at a time.

Retirement

A new Report has recently been published titled, ‘New Zealand Seniors Series: The Retirement Living Report 2022’

“With flexibility becoming a defining characteristic of post-pandemic workplaces, our perceptions of retirement have shifted significantly. In this vein, 3 in 5 (56%) pre-retirees surveyed see retirement as something that will give them greater control over how they choose to spend their time. Similarly, 3 in 5 (60%) pre-retirees view retirement as an opportunity to do the things they have been meaning to get around to and 1 in 2 (50%) consider it as the beginning of new adventures.

Interestingly, the notion of greater flexibility at work becoming the norm over the past two years means that many pre-retirees now see retirement as a gradual transition rather than a standalone event. In fact, 3 in 5 (62%) Kiwi pre-retirees find the idea of transitioning into retirement by gradually reducing work commitments very or extremely appealing, as opposed to setting a hard date for retirement.

1 in 5 senior Kiwi’s do not feel financially secure and only 1 in 10 feel very secure”. (Quoted from the report).

POV. Pastor, here is about 30 minutes of reading that will help you understand this growing sector (demographic) in NZ. It could help shape your seniors ministry not to say anything about deploying this group of people in some meaningful ministry and work.

Whittakers Chocolate

Whittaker's new limited edition Creamy Milk block, translated to Miraka Kirīmi for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, has sparked a racist backlash.

POV. What a great idea! Well not for everyone apparently given the back lash Whittakers received last week.
I guess these same folks will also be giving up tacos, sushi, lasagne, spaghetti bolognaise, and wontons as well because they aren't English words either? Racism, sadly is still very much alive in Aotearoa New Zealand, but I just hope it isn’t amongst Christians.