The labour authorities in New Zealand have declared a seasonal labour shortage in Hawke’s Bay, the country’s main top-fruit growing area, just weeks ahead of harvest.

“There are labour shortages throughout New Zealand for both skilled and un-skilled workers,” Gary Jones, manager of membership services at Pipfruit NZ told freshinfo. “Impacts of record low unemployment are felt most severely in horticultural industries that require large amounts of short-term labour. The apple and pear industries are no exception. The worker squeeze has been steadily getting worse for a number of years.”

The declaration in the region will allow more overseas visitors wanting to pick fruit to apply for a seasonal work permit.

In recent seasons the problem has been getting more acute and last year there were even reports of fruit being picked too late due to a lack of pickers.

But Jones says the problem is being tackled in a more long-term manner. “Eighteen months ago the Horticulture and Viticultural Seasonal Labour Strategy was launched. Essentially it provided central funding for a national seasonal labour co-ordinator and regional offices and co-ordinators in key regions.”

Meanwhile, Jones reports good fruit set and a likely early start to the harvest. “A very good fruit set has provided full crops in all regions,” he said. “There has been some localised hail but no major climatical events. Fruit finish looks good also.”

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