By Jack Seumanutafa from the Samoa Broadcasting Corporation.
Two Samoan men, who were expelled from New Zealand's seasonal worker scheme, have been banished from their village.
A Pacific RSE worker on a New Zealand apple orchard. Photo: RNZ/Johnny Blades
The pair are among ten Samoans who've been banned from the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and their villages blacklisted until further notice.
Iose Ulafala Leuluaialii and Eli Salu have been banned from returning home for smoking marijuana while in New Zealand.
Moata'a paramount chief Asi Tuiataga James Fa'afili Blakelock said Leuluaialii and Salu failed to heed the advice given to them prior to their departure to New Zealand.
"Firstly, they will be banned from Moataa and the village will never allow those who smoke marijuana to live there, and if they want to return, they have to pay a huge amount of money which is their punishment."
The pair would face the village's wrath and traditional punishments would also be imposed, Asi said.
The chief said he was concerned that what had happened might prevent other villagers from working in the RSE programme.
