Communications – Adverse Events – COVID-19 Information

NZKGI COVID-19 Information

As of 2 December 2021 11.59 pm, New Zealand will be moving into the new COVID-19 Protection Framework. This will be the updated system to keep the public and businesses safe going forth while dealing with COVID-19 in the community. NZKGI is making sure you are kept up to date on how this change in systems will affect you and your orchard. If you have any questions or feedback on the information provided below, please email us here.

On-orchard protocols under the COVID-19 Protection Framework:

General points for all levels:

Mask wearing:

Masks must be worn at all times during harvest activities and other PPE (gloves) when handling fruit
Under Red and Orange:
- Masks must be worn when a 1 metre distance cannot be maintained
- Masks must be worn on public transport
- Mask wearing is strongly encouraged at all other times

Record keeping:

QR code displayed on the entrance to the orchard
Records of all personnel entering the orchard must be maintained

Recommending separation of workers on orchard (bubbles):

The use of bubbles reduces transmission and close contacts within the orchard
We also recommend that bubbles are adhered to on transportation

Travel between different regions:

Record of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test is required if travelling to/from Auckland region (until 17th January)
This is not required for all other travel between regions

Have a plan for COVID-19 on your orchard:

Checklist for Growers
There is also a step-by-step guide on what to do if there is a positive case on your orchard under our FAQs

Full protocols can be found here.

FAQs:

Found here.

NZKGI office COVID-19 protocols

The following information gives an outline of the NZKGI office COVID-19 protocols. The protocols derive from NZKGI’s Infectious Diseases policy which recognises that the Health and Safety of people is of utmost importance to NZKGI. Infectious diseases are considered a workplace hazard which NZKGI has a responsibility to actively manage under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).

In establishing the protocols, NZKGI has followed guidance from the Ministry of Health.

The following NZKGI protocols are aligned with protocols established by Zespri (as landlord) and followed by KVH (given shared resource/space).

All Traffic Light settings
All staff, contractors, growers, and other visitors who wish to physically be on-site in the NZKGI office will be asked to show their vaccination status and demonstrate they are fully vaccinated. Any staff, contractors, growers or other visitors who are not fully vaccinated or who are not prepared to disclose their vaccination status will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test (RAT) within the last 24 hours to gain entry into the NZKGI office. A RAT test can be procured from the Zespri reception. In addition, the following general settings will be adhered to:

Record Keeping/scanning required
Face coverings encouraged to be worn
Maintain social distance
Ensure basic hygiene
Stay at home if unwell

Orange/Green Traffic Light:

The NZKGI office will be open to vaccinated individuals and those that provide a negative COVID-19 test (RAT). Meetings can be held face to face.

Red Traffic Light:

NZKGI employees will have flexibility between working from the NZKGI office and home, with consideration for certain risk levels. In-person meetings and events will be limited, and when held will be conducted under MOH guidance. Travel and fieldwork will also be limited, with approval required from Chief Executive.

These protocols will come into effect come from Tuesday, 18 January 2022, and will be reviewed regularly. These protocols are in abbreviated form. For the full NZKGI office COVID-19 protocols, please contact the NZKGI office.

Vaccinations:

Information on and to book vaccinations/boosters here.

Risk assessment information here.

Market Access:

Zespri continues to provide input into a high-level MPI consultation of industry views on vaccination requirements for market access purposes. There is currently no legal requirement for mandatory vaccinations for these purposes (for any market). We will keep you informed with details of any Government proposals as they become available.