Governance and industry partners

Who they are:
The Ministry of Social Development is the government agency responsible for supporting the well-being of New Zealanders through employment, income support, and social services.

Our relationship with them:
NZKGI works with MSD to support the New Zealanders First approach to seasonal labour. Together, we coordinate initiatives that help connect local workers with kiwifruit industry jobs. MSD provides key workforce insights and support that strengthen seasonal labour planning.

Who they are:
Inland Revenue is the government department responsible for tax administration, compliance, and policy advice in New Zealand.

Our relationship with them:
NZKGI works with IRD to ensure growers and seasonal workers have clear guidance on tax obligations.
We collaborate to improve the understanding of tax compliance within the industry. IRD’s advice supports our work to promote transparent and fair employment practices.

Who they are:
MBIE is the government agency overseeing economic development, labour market policy, immigration settings, and major industry programmes.

Our relationship with them:
NZKGI partners with MBIE on immigration and visa settings crucial to the kiwifruit workforce. We work closely with them on the RSE Scheme to ensure growers can access a reliable and ethical seasonal labour force. MBIE’s policy expertise informs our advocacy on workforce supply and regulatory settings.

Who they are:
MFAT is the government agency responsible for New Zealand’s foreign policy, international partnerships, and overseas engagement.

Our relationship with them:
NZKGI collaborates with MFAT on Pacific liaison connected to the RSE Scheme. We engage with MFAT to support delegations and strengthen Pacific partnerships that underpin seasonal labour supply. Their international leadership enables sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with RSE partner countries.

Who they are:
HortNZ is the national advocacy body representing New Zealand’s fruit and vegetable growers.

Our relationship with them:
NZKGI works with HortNZ across RSE advocacy, labour planning, and education initiatives. We partner on operational matters affecting growers across the horticulture sector. Our shared focus ensures aligned industry positions on workforce, training, and policy issues.

Who they are:
Priority One is the Western Bay of Plenty’s economic development organisation focused on business growth, workforce development, and regional prosperity.

Our relationship with them:
NZKGI collaborates with Priority One on regional workforce planning initiatives. We work together to address long‑term skills and labour needs for the kiwifruit industry. Their regional insights help strengthen our strategic approach to labour supply and development.