The Seasonal workers from Vanuatu.

Every year thousands of Ni-Vans travel to New Zealand and Australia for seasonal work. In New Zealand the scheme is referred to as Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE). Each time they travel to New Zealand they work for 6 to 7 months in the seasonal industries that include the wine industry and fruit industry.  Many go every year for 6 months or so, they may return to New Zealand for 6 years or more. leaving their wives and children behind in Vanuatu. 

When they return to Vanuatu they bring back money for their families and villages. Some workers put their money into building a family home, or purchase a vehicle.  They also buy items such as home appliances, sound systems, gardening equipment or personal items.  The purchases are consolidated by a shipping agent into a container and sent to Vanuatu.

We have 6 returning RSE workers staying in a flat beside ours. Last night a truck turned up with the items they had brought back to Vanuatu. Included on this truck are, beds, fencing wire, pig netting, spades, shovels, chainsaws, tool boxes, bulk washing powder, soap, mattresses. plastic baskets, bins. sound systems, and lots of other items in boxes and bags.

Time to unload the gear and store it for the night.  Most of these guys will return to their home island of Pentecost Island on Wednesday.

Now where do we store it all for the night?