NZ Kiwifruit Seasonal Labour Report 2017
Prior to the 2018 harvest, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. (NZKGI) recognised severe labour shortages were likely for the kiwifruit industry over the next decade. As it happened, the industry was 1,200 staff short at the start of the 2018 harvest – the predicted labour shortage hit earlier and more severely than anticipated.
Without intervention, the shortages experienced this year will become even more severe as the kiwifruit industry strives to take advantage of increased global demand for a product quickly becoming a fruit bowl favourite. In 2027, the New Zealand kiwifruit industry is forecast to produce 190 million trays of kiwifruit, up from 123 million trays in 2017.
To bring Government up to date on industry progress on finding solutions to the labour shortage, NZKGI published a report that quantifies the potential shortage and outlines the challenges the industry faces in securing staff. The report identifies a number of areas for industry to focus on to attract more seasonal workers.
To read the report, click here