Research into a scheme that allows Pacific Islanders to work in horticulture and viticulture in New Zealand says it has significant benefits for living standards in some Pacific countries.

The Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme allows growers to provide seasonal work for up to 8000 a year from six Pacific Island nations. The scheme aims to overcome worker shortages in this country and help often poor Pacific states.

About 1200 workers from Samoa are in New Zealand. Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has been visiting some of their employers in Hawke's Bay and says the workers send money back home, for community projects or to their own family.

Research by economists at Waikato University has found the scheme boosts family income in some Pacific communities by up to 40%.

The research was commissioned by the Department of Labour and the World Bank and found the scheme also boosted housing standards and access to schooling in the Pacific nations.

(Source Radio New Zealand)