Newspaper Article 2009 – Impact still felt

Impact still felt

A GROUP of seasonal workers from the island nation of Samoa almost didn’t make it to Hawke’s Bay to work the summer harvesting season.

Last week 45 workers arrived from the village of Poutasi on the south coast of Samoa, a tourist spot more than an hour from Apia.

A large part of the village was destroyed by earthquake-driven waves which was raged overland on September 29 after an off-shore jolt measuring 8.3 on the Richter Scale.

A new hospital in the village was flattened, homes of the pickers were destroyed, wives and children were among the 148 people killed that day.

Records, passports and recruitment arrangements of last week’s arrivals were lost.

The workers had qualified for entry to Hawke’s Bay as members of the Department of Labour’s  recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme which bolsters the number of workers in Hawke’s Bay’s orchards and vineyards each year, but they were not going to be able to come this year.

Their arrival is the result of $17,000 worth of aid given to a tsunami relief fund operated by the Community Foundation Hawke’s Bay.

“The work these people will do will contribute greatly to Hawke’s Bay seasonal economy, so this appeal has been a win for the province as well as timely assistance for the tsunami victims who have homes to rebuild,” community foundation chairman Peter Dunkerley says.

The group which arrived from Samoa started their first day with a traditional kiwi barbecue put on by their orchards, to thank those who helped them make it to the Bay.

Before they started work the Samoans wanted to show their gratitude for the rapid response to their plight.

With the help of Hawke’s Bay people the appeal has helped cover costs of replacing the documentation, boots, clothing and equipment they needed for the picking season.

DIG IN: A celebratory barbecue was held last week for seasonal workers from Samoa who were deeply affected by a recent Tsunami there.