Government lifted the cap this week on Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) workers, but it’s still not enough says Seasonal Solutions chief executive Helen Axby.
The cap, announced by Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway this week, will lift by 3,150 foreign workers over the next two years to 16,000. Effectively it means this season, an additional 1,550 RSE workers will be available, followed next season by 1,600 more.
“We are very pleased there has been an increase in the labour cap, but it won’t be enough as demand will continue to outstrip supply,” says Axby, adding the sector is awaiting decisions on how this will impact on the various growing regions.
“Finally, the announcement, even with its caveats, will make planning for the 2020-2021 season easier for growers. It is hoped the RSE Policy Review may make this process easier in the future,” she says.
The high level of demand for workers across New Zealand especially with increased production of kiwifruit and apples provides an additional challenge for the summerfruit industry in securing additional workers, says Tim Jones.