Northland kiwifruit sector braces for record harvest as government launches staff-recruiting campaign
16 Mar, 2021 05:00 PM
5 minutes to read
Northland kiwifruit growers are bracing for an extra challenging harvest. Photo / Supplied
Jenny Ling is the Northern Advocate s feature writer and news reporterjenny.ling@nzme.co.nznorthernadvocat
Northland kiwifruit growers are bracing for an extra challenging harvest due to potential labour shortages combined with a record number of crops. The 2021 season is forecast to be another record-breaking year with more kiwifruit produced than ever before, overtaking last year s whopping 157 million trays of Green and Gold across the country.
With few backpackers and recognised seasonal employer (RSE) workers left due to Covid-19 border restrictions, the government has launched a campaign to recruit thousands of people into seasonal harvest and post-harvest roles.
Labour shortage for Northland fruit growers starting to bite
22 Feb, 2021 05:00 PM
5 minutes to read
Kumara pickers Shalia Leaf, left, her fiance Chedyn Burton, and her granddad Daryle Ferguson are helping alleviate labour shortage in Northland.
Photo / Michael Cunningham
Kumara pickers Shalia Leaf, left, her fiance Chedyn Burton, and her granddad Daryle Ferguson are helping alleviate labour shortage in Northland.
Photo / Michael Cunningham
Imran Ali is a reporter for the Northern Advocateimran.ali@nzme.co.nznorthernadvocat
Fruit growers across Northland struggling with labour shortages fear a lack of locals and international backpackers due to border closures will exacerbate the already difficult situation on farms.