Cederman Brothers named RSE employer of the year

Cederman Bros Ltd, a long-standing family orchard based in Riwaka, has been named the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) of the Year for their outstanding commitment to their workers and their community.

Employing more than 50 workers from Samoa and Fiji each year alongside 19 local staff, Cederman Bros has built a reputation for worker-centred leadership.

They provide not just jobs, but opportunities for growth and wellbeing, from skills training through the Vakameasina programme to supporting workers’ sporting talents, including sponsoring uniforms and allowing time off for regional volleyball tournaments.

Cederman Bros Ltd’s respect for Samoan culture and values is at the heart of their approach.

Workers are supported to observe Sunday as a Sabbath, and the orchard actively encourages participation in local churches and community initiatives. Their backing of the Nelson Cenacle of Divine Mercy’s health programmes has made a real difference in the lives of workers, including support for diabetes awareness and healthy living.

The company’s commitment extends well beyond the orchard. In 2020, Cederman Bros Ltd was named a Golden Partner of the Marist Samoa International Sevens, sponsoring a disability rugby team in partnership with the UN Samoa Office. Their leadership helped embed disability inclusion into one of Samoa’s most iconic sporting events.

This track record of excellence and care has seen Cederman Bros Ltd consistently recognised as a top RSE employer by Samoa’s seasonal assessments, winning Gold Medals in both 2024 and 2025. Their workers have achieved life-changing goals through their employment, from funding higher education to establishing farms and small businesses back home.

Even in the face of challenges such as recent floods, Cederman Bros Ltd has remained committed to their people, expanding their workforce and exploring long-term pathways like work visas and quota schemes.

Their people-first approach, cultural respect, and community investment set a benchmark not only for the RSE scheme in New Zealand but across the Asia-Pacific region.