Seasonal workers

The workers came to Australia in January as part of the Department of Employment's Seasonal Worker Program.

The group of 20 from Fiji, and others from Tonga, were taken to the caravan park in Merrigum, in the food bowl district of northern Victoria.

Australian High Commissioner to Kiribati George Fraser told Radio Kiribati News there is now no maximum number of people required to work in Australia from Kiribati and other Pacific Island nations.

Michael Woodhouse says it is the largest number since the scheme began eight years ago and reflects an excellent season for apples, kiwifruit, cherries and grapes.

He has told a conference in Apia he continues to be amazed at the impact the scheme has on the families involved.

Woodhouse told the employers the RSE scheme ensures a more stable and reliable workforce for New Zealand growers.

The Minister says a pilot involving Fijian workers for the first time has gone well and he expects many more from the country to be involved in subsequent years.