A reminder that the NZ Seasonal Work Scheme is sadly not available to students who are only working during a short gap in their studies. The MSD scheme was designed to support unemployed New Zealanders who are at risk of being unemployed for a long time, and who want to take up seasonal work in the horticulture and viticulture sectors.
Summerfruit NZ, along with HortNZ and other product groups, met with senior MSD policy team members in September 2021, ahead of the season, to discuss the MSD support packages on offer to the sector. Following verbal and written discussions on the limitations of the scheme in relation to students, MSD advised that the current legislation precluded the inclusion of students in the scheme.
The product groups, led by HortNZ, have subsequently proposed that the student issues be referred to StudyLink as potentially a more appropriate path to establishing an incentive scheme for students.
Work will continue with various government agencies to pursue a solution for next season, given how critical this work is in assisting the recruitment and retention of the student cohort.
If you have questions on the NZ Seasonal Work Scheme, more information – including what support is available and all of the criteria - is available here. Otherwise, please contact Tracey Harrison or your nearest MSD work broker.