Samoan carpenters and hammer hands are being sought out to work on the Christchurch, New Zealand rebuilding project.
Talamua Online reports that a delegation of New Zealand employers is in Apia to recruit Samoans as part of the Pacific Trades Partnership, or “Toso Vaka O Manu”.
“Toso Vaka O Manu” is an extension of a pilot scheme run during 2016–2017 to bring Pacific carpenters to support the Canterbury rebuild following Christchurch’s devastating 2011 earthquake.
Talamua Online said under the pilot, Pacific carpenters worked in New Zealand for 12 months while gaining new skills, including the New Zealand qualification in Carpentry Level 4.
Thirty workers are being sought this year as the benefits of the scheme are recognized.
The National University of Samoa, with support from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor, is working with the delegation to screen and interview applicants for jobs in New Zealand.
