NZ Kiwifruit Growers Welcome Boost to Horticulture Industry

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Welcome Boost to Horticulture Industry

22 July 2014

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) has welcomed the Government’s plans to get more Kiwis into seasonal work, and its decision to increase the annual Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) cap to a total of 9000 workers.

NZKGI President, Neil Trebilco, says this boost to seasonal workers is essential in delivering the industry’s forecasted future growth.

“The kiwifruit industry is recovering quickly from Psa and is poised for big future growth. Over the next few years we are going to see a significant increase in Gold3 volume. By the 2017/18 season, growers will be producing up to 40 percent more fruit and its essential plans are in place now to support this additional volume by providing extra resources right throughout the supply chain.

“Together with HortNZ, Pipfruit NZ and NZ Wine Grape Growers, NZKGI has been urging Government to increase the cap of 8,000 RSE workers, and today’s decision shows their commitment to the future growth of our industries. We’re really pleased with the outcome,” said Mr Trebilco.

NZKGI will continue to work closely with the Government on behalf of New Zealand kiwifruit growers to both ensure Kiwis have the best opportunity for seasonal work; plus continue ongoing support for the RSE scheme.

Click here to read the Government's Media Release

About New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI)
NZKGI was established in 1993 to represent New Zealand’s 2,700 kiwifruit growers and give growers their own voice in industry and government decision making and was formed following the downturn in the kiwifruit industry in the early 1990’s.

NZKGI’s VISION is to be a strong grower organisation that demonstrates industry leadership in which growers and other industry participants actively participate.

NZKGI’s MISSION is to represent, protect and enhance the commercial and political interests of New Zealand Kiwifruit growers.

NZKGI’s Grower Forum consists of 25 regional and district representatives and 12 industry group representatives. Forum members are elected every three years by all kiwifruit growers via a postal ballot.

ENDS

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