NZ New Zealand apples

Growers in New Zealand’s premier pipfruit region, Nelson, are expecting to fall short of seasonal workers to harvest the crop by about 2,300.

The Nelson Mail reports 600 Pacific Island workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer work scheme are expected in the region, along with 1,000 overseas holiday workers and 1,100 local workers, leaving them 2,300 bodies short.

Those figures came from Paul Heywood, chairman of grower organisation Nelson Seasonal Employers Inc, who said growers are comfortable they can make up the numbers, but the large crop does put extra pressure on them.

“It’s very physical and there’s a technique, but workers can earn NZ$200 a day,” he said.

“This time last year, we were short for a while, then it came right. This time, we do require help from New Zealanders and young people coming into the district.”