Good Afternoon

• The horticulture industry – lead by New Zealand Apples and Pears and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated – is working with the Ministry for Primary Industries to finalise guidance for our industry around social distancing, and the transportation and accommodation of workers, etc.  We expect this guidance to be available next week. 
• Horticulture New Zealand, on behalf of the industry, is continuing its dialogue with the Government on the importance of independent fruit and vegetable retailers being able to reopen, and has made a written submission. Click here to view the submission.
  Our position is that with no independent retailers open, there is no price competition with the supermarkets.  Also, that the supermarkets have no reason to increase price unless this is based on production and distribution cost increases. 
• On Monday 6 April at 12pm, the Government will provide more information about the New Essential Workers COVID-19 Leave Payment Scheme that will be available from that day. Click here to read more.
• Immigration New Zealand has provided updated information for RSE employers and employees. Click here to read more.
• Horticulture New Zealand has found an option for growers with produce that they cannot currently find a market for. You can click here to read more.