A Ticket to a Better Life: Timor-Leste enters New Zealand's RSE programme

Thousands of Timorese have applied to join New Zealand's seasonal worker scheme, which opened to Timor Leste for the first time in 2026. Seven months of orchard work could earn them up to $40,000, considered a fortune in one of the world's poorest countries. Anna Thomas travelled to Timor Leste to meet some of the families benefiting from their remittances. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Loua Ward, José Ramos-Horta, Cherie Drummond, Marcos Dias and family,  Pedro Suarez, the Asia New Zealand FoundationProducer Anna Thomas travelled to Timor-Leste with assistance from the Asia New Zealand Foundation.Make sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details