New Zealand's biggest apple production company, Mr Apples Farm Ltd., will be recruiting 248 Tongan workers under the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme.

Alistair Jamieson, the employer, was in Nuku'alofa earlier in the month to see the recruitment process.

He said the first 95 Tongans will travel to New Zealand on November 10 with the remaining 153 to come in February next year.

The Minister of Labour Commerce and Small Industries, Hon. Lisiate 'Akolo, said they will divide this number to include the outer islands of Tongatapu.

Therefore in the first 95, there will be 20 people each selected from Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua with 10 from the Niuas and 25 for Tongatapu.

For the 153 recruitment next February 50 will be selected from Vava'u, 15 from Ha'apai, 10 from 'Eua, 10 from Niua and 68 to be selected throughout Tongatapu.

Mr Jamieson said the reason why he came to Tonga is because he had some Tongans working for him last year and they showed good work ethics and were great in their ability to do quality work.

The Minister said they are expecting see about 800 Tongans employed under the RSE scheme this year and feedback has been good from workers who are currently in New Zealand.

The group in November will be the eighth from Tonga under the RSE scheme.