Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, visited two Tongan workers hospitalized at Waikato Hospital following a bus accident en route from Auckland to Hastings last Saturday according to a statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).
Accompanying the Prime Minister were Mrs. Fiona Sovaleni, CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Internal Affairs Mrs. Polotu Paunga, Liaison Officer Mr. Sefita Hauoli, Rev. Siale Uia and Mrs. Atuila Uia of the New Zealand Wesleyan Church, and Tongan Social Worker Savita Aluesi Winters.
The Tongan workers were among a group traveling to Hastings for employment under New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
One of the injured workers is expected to be discharged today and will recover with family in Auckland. The second worker remains under medical care at Waikato Hospital, requiring further treatment.
MIA said in its statement that the New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation will cover the medical costs and provide financial support, and the workers’ insurance will cover additional treatment needs.
The Tongan government is working closely with New Zealand authorities to improve road safety measures for seasonal workers.
“It’s a step that RSE employers should fully support,” the statement read, highlighting the need for better protections for Tongan nationals working abroad.