New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry is set to benefit from the from a push to increase the country’s seasonal work force, according to New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated’s (NZKGI) president Neil Trebilco.
Earlier this week, New Zealand’s social development minister Paula Bennett announced plans to raise the cap on annual recognised seasonal employer (RSE) workers from 8,000 to 9,000.
Trebilco said the boost is an essential step in delivering the forecasted growth for the kiwifruit industry.
“By the 2017/18 season, growers will be producing up to 40 per cent more fruit and its essential plans are in place now to support this additional volume by providing extra resources right throughout the supply chain,” Trebilco explained. 'Together with HortNZ, Pipfruit NZ and NZ Wine Grape Growers, NZKGI has been urging government to increase the cap of 8,000 RSE workers, and today's decision shows their commitment to the future growth of our industries.”
The news comes after investigators issued 22 improvement notices for a total of 39 minimum employment standard breaches during a week-long probe into kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty Area during March. Eight illeagal workers were also found to be working on orchards in the region.
While not commenting on the recent investigation, Bennett said the federal government had moved to ensure that New Zealand workers remained at the front of the job queue.
“Alongside the increase in the RSE cap, Cabinet has agreed to introduce aNew Zealand Seasonal Worker Programmeto provide more pastoral care and other support to assist New Zealanders into work,” Bennett said. “While planning is in the early stages, the programme will be developed in close consultation with industry and growers and I have been encouraged by their positive response and commitment to the proposal.’’
