27 July 2016
Three Tradesmen heading to Christchurch
The first Samoan recruits for the Christchurch Rebuild are departing early next month as part of a joint programme between New Zealand and Samoa.
The Christchurch Rebuilding Programme has contracted three Samoans as part of a wider group from the Pacific, to work in the South Island city for the next twelve months.
The three carpenters are:
· Faleupolu Tevita, 35, of Vaivase tai and Fagalii Uta. He will work at Tradestaff Group Limited in Christchurch
· Aukusitino Niko, 51, of Vailuutai who will also work for Tradestaff Group Limited;
· Pinati Titae, a 27 year old from Pitonuu Satupaitea who will work for Adecco Limited.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi met with the trio yesterday and emphasised the importance of using their time well and productively while representing Samoa in New Zealand.
In his remarks, he pointed out that this programme differs from the Recognised Seasonal Employment (RSE) scheme.
“This programme requires highly qualified, skilled workers and people with a good command of the English language and common sense.”
Tuilaepa said negotiations with the New Zealand government to allow our skilled workers like carpenters to work in that country took about ten years.
“I was in Christchurch last week, and I saw that there was great need for many skilled workers to do the rebuilding works,” said Tuilaepa.
“We have a lot of highly skilled workers who have been trained in the National University of Samoa and the APTC programmes.”
The Prime Minister also advised the three workers against consuming alcohol and breaking the law in New Zealand.
“The law is that once you commit any wrongdoing that could tarnish the reputation of Samoa, you will never return for employment in New Zealand ever.
“I advise you to work hard and earn good money to send back to your families.”
Tuilaepa said a team from New Zealand will be in Samoa from 1st – 3rd September for more talks for the next recruitment.
The Pacific Trust New Zealand will provide pastoral care support for the workers for the first three months until they are well settled.
The three workers were selected after a thorough process, where a total of 84 applicants submitted applications, and twenty applicants were shortlisted for interviews.
After the interviews and assessments, these three were the first workers recruited to work in New Zealand under this programme.
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