RSE workers get helping hand while stranded in New Zealand

Tuesday, 4 August 2020

RSE workers from Vanuatu stuck in NZ due to Covid-19 are learning valuable new building skills through the Menzshed and helping the community at the same time.

A group of RSE workers from Vanuatu are learning new building skills and helping out the Nelson community while they wait to return home.

Local organisations Waimea Menzshed and Mitre 10 Helping Hands, have joined forces to teach them some building skills while working on two community projects.

Arriving about 10 months ago, the group of about 16 RSE workers from Tongoa in Vanuatu have been unable to return home due to Covid-19.

While still employed throughout the winter at Wai-West Horticulture, they have had limited work after the harvesting season ended.

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Greham Abel, left, and Daniel Toara, with fellow RSE workers from Vanuatu working on a project at the Waimea Menzshed.

* The shed that saved Clarrie Merrick

The workers were referred to Menzshed through the Vakameasina RSE Worker Training Programme.

Waimea Menzshed coordinator Alan Kissell said they had taken quickly to the training, which had been going two afternoons a week for the past three weeks.

Waimea Menzshed coordinator Alan Kissell, right, passes on shed-building instructions.

“It’s a way of teaching them some skills they can use back in the islands – rather than them being bored and sitting around while they wait to go home,” Kissell said.

“They’re an amazing bunch of guys, they’re strong guys and they’re just so keen and eager to learn.”

After getting in touch with Murray Leaning from Mitre 10 Mega Helping Hands, a plan was hatched to give the group practice by working on two community projects.

Supplied by Mitre 10 Mega with tools, clothing, and materials, the group have been working to build a storage shed for Nelson College, and an office for Whakatu Riding for the Disabled.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Leaning said.

“It’s a really good opportunity for these guys to do some building work for our community … and they’re getting some really good transferable skills they can take home.”

RSE worker Greham Abel said he planned to use his new-found knowledge to build a house for his family.

“I am proud of being here to learn new skills – when I go back to home to my country it will help me and my family.”

Vakameasina Nelson regional coordinator Lara Topping said there was a high demand from RSE workers to learn skills like building.

“They want to take [the money they earn] back to the islands and do something with it – a lot of people want to build a house.

“I was looking for someone with experience and I approached the Menzshed. They were fantastic, we’re very grateful for them sharing their knowledge and experience with our workers.”