The Labour Report for the 2020 Season outlines how the kiwifruit industry faced significant labour shortages at a time of rising production and strong global demand. It highlights the growing gap between the number of workers needed and those available, driven by low unemployment, fewer working holidaymakers, and inconsistent perceptions of pay and conditions. The report also describes how employers responded through higher pay rates, welfare improvements, training pathways, and efforts to attract more New Zealanders, while noting ongoing challenges such as accommodation shortages and limited access to international labour. These insights help guide industry planning as growers prepare for continued expansion.
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