The effects of the Government's policy to limit the number of exemptions for Registered Seasonal Employers (RSE) workers, mainly from the Pacific Islands, this year to just 2000 due to border closures had now hit home for growers. Government initiatives to attract kiwis had not proved effective, he said. “With the best intentions they have called it horribly wrong and our region is going to suffer the consequences. As a business owner you’re better off to be a little bit smaller and get the job done, rather than sticking your neck out and losing a lot,” Paynter said. MARTIN DE RUYTER/STUFF