Individual worked in vineyards under RSE program
A 25-year-old seasonal worker from Samoa has been terminated and will be flown home after assaulting a coworker in Marlborough, according to reports.
Zenus Lance, who arrived in New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to work in vineyards, pleaded guilty to two charges of common assault, Stuff reported.
The incident occurred on November 12 at an RSE accommodation complex, where Lance and his coworker were staying. According to a police summary, Lance climbed into a parked work van and accused his coworker of talking about him behind his back.
During the confrontation, Lance punched his coworker in the face, causing him to collapse into his seat. He then continued to punch his coworker until another RSE worker intervened and pulled Lance from the van.
The coworker then sought out Lance to ask why he had attacked him but was punched again in the face without warning, said the article.
The coworker attempted to defend himself but sustained a bleeding nose, pain in his shoulder, ribs, and back, as well as scratches on his neck and a swollen eye.
When questioned by police, Lance claimed that he was the victim in the altercation, but he was later convicted in court for his actions, Stuff reported.
Judge Tony Snell remarked that there was "no logical reason" for the assault: "The aggravating feature is the unprovoked nature of this attack, and as a consequence, you lost your employment and will be flown back to Samoa, which is significant in and of itself."
Lance was also ordered to pay $150 to his coworker for emotional harm.
Bryony Millar, Lance's lawyer, said the assault had led to his immediate dismissal from his job.
"Mr. Lance has lost his employment immediately and, as soon as the matter is dealt with, his employer is booking him a flight back home," Millar said.
Lance had only $200 left for the remainder of his stay in New Zealand, according to the Stuff report, though Millar indicated he may receive holiday pay before leaving.
