Horticulture NZ to tackle labour shortages

27 October 2004

Horticulture New Zealand to tackle labour shortages

“The agreement by Government to develop a strategy to address horticultural seasonal labour shortages is a clear demonstration of the need for the proposed Horticulture New Zealand organisation”, says Fruitgrowers’ Chief Executive Peter Silcock.

The Government commitment to developing a seasonal labour strategy is great, it is a major step forward for horticulture because it signals that they are taking the problem seriously and are willing to take action to address it. However, industry needs to work together more cohesively and proactively to ensure that any strategy meets our needs and is practical and workable. Labour and employment issues are one of the key areas of activity identified by the group, which included representation from major sectors including apples, kiwifruit and vegetables, that has recommended we proceed to form Horticulture New Zealand.

The proposal has already been signed off by berryfruit and vegetable growers and is awaiting the outcome of a referendum of all fruit growers. Voting closes on Friday 5 November.

We already have a lot of activity that is co-ordinated between New Zealand Fruitgrowers, Vegfed and Berryfruit Growers Federation, such as the Pick of the Crop video, participation in careers expos and a brochure on seasonal work opportunities. But, the proposed Horticulture New Zealand structure will enable us to work more effectively on this issue, with greater focus and accountability for our members.

Seasonal labour is a big issue for the horticulture industry, with the Immigration Service issuing over 2,000 Work Permits to visitors during the 2004 harvest and even then many growers and packhouses did not have sufficient staff to meet their full requirements. Over the next few years, with increasing demand due to additional plantings of horticulture crops and greater competition for a diminishing labour pool, things will get tougher unless we put in place an effective strategy. Ultimately the strategy will be important in enabling the horticulture industry to meet its growth targets and we expect Horticulture New Zealand to take a key leadership role in this area.

This is just one example of where there will be benefits from forming Horticulture New Zealand. Others include areas submissions on Regional Plans, trade issues, emergency response (such as this year’s February floods), border security and compliance costs.

ENDS

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