Tropical Cyclone Gabriel aftermath under Govt. Surveillance
(GOVT. PRESS SECRETARIAT)- The welfare and security of close to 80 Samoan Seasonal Workers in New Zealand affected by Tropical Cyclone Gabriel is under Government surveillance, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has assured the country in her weekly Press Conference this evening.
Reportedly, a number of farms and orchards where the Samoan workers are employed suffered severe flooding over the weekend and Government agencies which includes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade complemented by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor have seen been put on alert monitoring the aftermath of the Cyclone.
“All our Seasonal workers are accounted for and there are no casualties,” the Prime Minister told the local media.
Responding to media inquiries, the Prime Minister notes that whether the RSE workers will be evacuated home is a question which is subject to a review with their New Zealand employers due to contractual obligations between the Samoan RSE workers and their bosses.
“Rest assured, the safety of our workers is utmost,” she added.
The following is the prepared remarks by the Prime Minister in her weekly address tonight pertaining to Cyclone Gabrielle which devastated New Zealand this week;
Following the impacts of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Gabrielle across New Zealand earlier this week, the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Ministry of Commerce Industry & Labour (MCIL) continues to monitor the situation, with emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers from Samoa.
The region heavily impacted by TC Gabrielle with a significant number of seasonal workers from Samoa is Hawkes Bay, where a local state of emergency has been declared together with other regions such as Northland, Auckland, Tairawhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Tararua District.
Reports from Samoa’s designated Liaison Officer in New Zealand in liaison with the New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE), confirmed that support and coordinated efforts from various agencies, local Iwi/Marae and especially the Pacific Community has been overwhelming in ensuring RSE workers from Samoa, and from the Pacific were safely evacuated, and moved to nearby relief centres.
The RSE workers are confirmed to have now access warm beds/accommodation, and food and water supplies.
So far there are no confirmed reports of death of any of our Samoan seasonal workers. Considerable efforts and discussions have begun on how to best support affected workers in the context of the wider New Zealand recovery.
We urge our country especially the families of the Samoan seasonal workers in New Zealand to remain calm, as the government is working closely with the government of New Zealand to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our RSE workers.
