The decision to recruit women into the Seasonal Employment Scheme depends on the Australian and New Zealand Employers says Minister for Employment Jioji Konrote.

He says the gender balance in the first contingent of 24 workers for the New Zealand Recognized Employer Worker Scheme was out of their hands.

With the Australian seasonal work program already identifying four prospective employers, Konrote says they can only lobby for the inclusion of e women.

Under the agreement, it is the employer who has the final call and we have very little influence in trying to persuade people in New Zealand to take more woman. I’ve been assured, you know when the market opens up in the not too distant future. I hope we’ll be able to sned more women down.

Konrote adds with the remaining 6 people for the New Zealand pilot program expected to leave in June, there may be one or two positions taken up by women.