A labour shortage has been declared in the Bay of Plenty today, with the kiwifruit industry needing another 3800 workers.
The shortage is for a six-week period between April 15 and May 20.
Declaring a labour shortage enables visitor visa holders to work in the regions.
Bay of Plenty Regional Commissioner Mike Bryant says there are a number of initiatives from the Ministry of Social Development partnering with the industry to help prepare and place job-seekers into seasonal work.
"We have a dedicated horticulture employment team of MSD work brokers who liaise year-round with employers in the sector and understand the industry needs. They support employers and workers with training, transport, accommodation, equipment and more."
The ministry has placed more than 1000 people into jobs in the local kiwifruit industry since July 2018.
The Ministry of Social Development is also extending the seasonal labour shortage in Hawke's Bay for an extra six weeks, until May 20.
East Coast Regional Commissioner Annie Aranui says there is still a worker shortage in Hawke’s Bay, with about six weeks of the main harvest left.
"We’ve been closely monitoring the shortage, reassessing the supply and demand weekly as the season progresses," she said.
"Later variety apple crops have matured earlier than anticipated, and industry tells us there’s still about 60% of the overall crop left to pick.”
MSD Group General Manager for Client Service Delivery Kay Read says declaring a labour shortage is a last resort measure.
"Declaring or extending a labour shortage is...something that’s done once all other levers to find enough workers have been exhausted," she explained.
"A declaration also has the effect of highlighting to New Zealanders, who may be willing and able, that there are job opportunities available for them."
SHARE ME