Kia ora koutou
The HortNZ Update 6 is as follows
My apologies that yesterday, we posted a link to a draft protocol that the horticulture sector is currently working through with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as we move towards potential border management regimes. The revised protocol is still being worked through so we have posted the old protocol back and will inform you if and when the new one is in place.
Some larger operators have already adopted the draft protocol. The draft/proposed protocol has tightened up a few areas to reflect the high risk of the Delta Covid variant New Zealand currently has.
Examples of changes are things such as:
- mandatory mask wearing (to protect fellow workers and because we handling food for the public)
- stricter rules around use of the Covid Tracing app
- staff temperature checking protocols (in certain environments)
- correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- ventilation system checks.
While these details are still being discussed, the overarching rationale is that we need to ensure none of our sites are a risk to prevent any market access issues, domestically or internationally.
Please note that MPI or Worksafe may call you to check if you are aware of and operating to the protocols. As a result, please make yourself familiar with these, knowing the ones up to now are the minimum and you are strongly encouraged to operate and function at a higher level.
Ultimately, this is all about preserving our horticultural businesses’ privilege to operate as Essential Businesses. It is a privilege to operate not a right. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please note that some product groups like NZ Apples & Pears, NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated and Vegetables NZ have developed their own guidelines. Please visit these groups’ websites to access that advice.
Thank you
I want to personally thank Product Group Chief Executives, Business Managers and District Association Executives, especially Kylie Faulkner of the Pukekohe Vegetable Growers’ Association, for the huge amount of work they have put in over the past seven days, pulling information together always at very short notice. This is incredibly taxing when everyone is trying to balance normal day job workloads.
It is also not easy when we have to repeatedly keep arguing our case and feel it might be getting us nowhere. An example from last night that an economic argument would be futile is the Hadstock Farm news item.
Collectively, we are presenting the case for food security for New Zealand, now and in the immediate future, but even that is proving challenging.
As information and next steps become available, we will keep you informed. However, as an industry, we need to ensure that we are all operating to the current minimum standards to have any chance of being successful during the on-going Alert Level restrictions.
Where to get up to date information
HortNZ is updating its website every day as new information from Government agencies comes through. Please go to our website for the latest information about financial support, vaccinations and the travel to work letter template provided by the Ministry of Transport.
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Questions, concerns, etc
Please continue to funnel these through your product group or district association, for answering as soon as possible, or email info@hortnz.co.nz.
Next advice
As previously indicated, HortNZ will provide further advice via this newsletter update when the Government makes its next decision about lockdown levels on the afternoon of Friday 27 August. Please note however that the decision about Alert Level 4 Auckland will not be made until Monday 30 August.
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