Migrant Exploitation: A Case Study on New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.

Abstract

This dissertation examines migrant exploitation specifically in terms of whether the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme in New Zealand is exploiting workers. The aim of this research to investigate migrant exploitation in New Zealand, mainly focusing on migrant exploitation in the primary industries. By investigating migrant exploitation in New Zealand we will find out how much of a need there is for a Modern Slavery Act as well as a review of the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.

The two main research questions of this study are: To what extent are Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme workers in New Zealand exploited? and In what way can the current Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme better protect the interests of migrant workers in New Zealand’s horticulture industries?

A single case study method was chosen using New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme as the case. Furthermore, this study used thematic analysis to analyse the qualitative data that was collected from a comprehensive literature review. The data used for this case study came from academic databases and reputable media sites such as the New Zealand Herald. Other data sources such as governmental reports, and other reputable media publications were also used.

The findings of this study conclude the poor living conditions many Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme workers face. For example many workers apart of the RSE scheme have reported having to share a room with up to six other people (Hamilton-Irvine, 2022). Another finding of this study is the visa conditions that contribute to the exploitative environment of the RSE scheme. Guided by the human rights framework and the Atkinson (1984) core- periphery model, the analysis of the dataset revealed that in New Zealand’s RSE scheme, workers are severely exploited. The results of this study highlight the need for New Zealand to make changes to the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme; for example, the scheme needs to be better policed.