The Hawke’s Bay fruit-growing community is providing strong support for 30 Tongan seasonal workers who were involved in a serious bus accident hours after arriving in New Zealand.
The crash occurred around 7:30 am between Rotorua and Taupō. Emergency services responded with four ambulances, two helicopters, and a major incident support team according to a 1News report.
Immigration New Zealand’s national Pacific manager, Mike Sorensen, confirmed the workers were en route to Hawke’s Bay for employment with fruit company Mr Apple.
After learning of the crash, Mr Apple enhanced its preparations to receive the workers.
“We’ll have food and a physiotherapist ready for those discharged, along with counselors and Pacific Health representatives arriving tomorrow,” said Mr Apple spokesperson Gary Jones.
Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers Trust chair Brydon Nisbet emphasized the importance of Recognised Seasonal Employees (RSEs) to the region’s industry, adding that workers have designated support for pastoral care, particularly after experiences like Cyclone Gabrielle last year.