Tongan RSE workers

There are about 800 Tongan's working in the horticulture and viticulture sectors under the government's Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.

Many have been unable to get in touch with family since the eruption and tsunami.

The Horticulture sector is collecting donations for Tonga's recovery, and met on Friday to discuss how it can support Tongan workers based here.

Sefita Hauoli who represents Tongan RSE workers said it had been a really hard couple of years for the workers - as some have not been able to go home since the pandemic began.

The first plane load of Tongan seasonal workers being repatriated from New Zealand is due to leave on Tuesday and those travelling needed to show at departure they were free of the coronavirus.

The liaison for the Tongan RSE workers, Sefita Hao'uli, said there would be up to 70 workers, among a total of 140 going home.

He said there were about 1700 other Tongan RSE workers remaining, but the people chosen for this flight had the most pressing cases.