one RSE picture credit Marlborough Express

‘Atu Ala (39) is a vineyard supervisor at Provine viticulture in Marlborough after working her way up since arriving in New Zealand around five-years ago, under the Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme (RSE).

Marlborough Express reported that she cuts and wraps vines eight to hours a day up to seven days a week with only one thing on her mind – her mother’s welfare in Tonga.

‘Atu who earns up to $1000 a week working under the RSE scheme as a supervisor for Marlborough viticulture contractor Provine is one of the success stories of the scheme that employs thousands of foreign workers each year

“I am here to earn money so I can send back to my mother in Tonga,” she said.

‘Atu has 29 staff to coordinate in her first year as sole supervisor and only five had pruned vines before. They were New Zealanders, Vanuatuan, German, Chinese, Solomon Islanders, and French under her watch.

For the last five years ‘Atu had worked seven months each year, firstly at a Hawkes Bay apple pack house for three months before arriving in Marlborough for the pruning season.

She is one of 300 RSE workers on Provine’s books this year.

"In my first year I cried a lot, it was very hard but I need the money to support my family. So I came the second year and I live it. My boss cares about us and the money is good."

Provine owner Ken Prouting said Atu’s leadership skills were quickly recognised.

“She showed the skills we need to prune the vines and her leadership qualities shone out. She had good people skills and other workers respect her. She is an example of the RSE scheme working,” he said.