Harry Goetz News Today

MORGANTOWN, W.Va — There are, they say, two sides to every story and this one is no exception.

New Zealand relies heavily on foreign workers - recognised seasonal (RSE) workers, who primarily come from Pacific countries - and backpackers during the harvest season to pick and pack fruit on orchards around the country. With our border effectively closed due to COVID-19, however, the industry has been warning for months of a looming labour shortage. Late last year, the Government said it would give border exemptions for 2000 RSE workers to enter the country starting in January. Growers say ...