Labour problems in New Zealand’s cherry industry have been reduced by a novel recruitment drive by the country’s Department of Labour.

Workers have been flooding into Central Otago after text and email messages were sent to thousands of visitors informing them work was available in the region.

According to Radio New Zealand, growers were stung into action by fears that a significant amount of their crop could go to waste, because of a lack of seasonal workers.

They lobbied the Department of Labour, which then sent messages to around 12,000 foreign visitors who were known to have working permits.

Horticulture New Zealand said the campaign proved very successful, and the shortage appears to have eased.

Concerns remain, however, that other regions still face a serious labour shortage when harvesting begins next month.

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