In the aftermath of the volcanic eruption and tsunami, a range of support measures have been implemented by key stakeholders to support Tongan seasonal workers in NZ as they come to terms with the impacts of the disaster on their families amid a Covid-.
At the time of Tonga’s volcanic eruption and tsunami on 14 January 2022, there were an estimated 150,000 Tongans living overseas. Of these, close to 5,000 Tongan workers were employed across Australia and New Zealand under their respective Pacific temporary labour schemes.