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Covid-19 Update
Repatriation Flights
As reported, the community outbreak in Auckland resulted in passenger flights to the Pacific being cancelled. The only possible upcoming flight(s) we are aware of is to Vanuatu which was announced this week. Air Vanuatu announced a scheduled flight commencing Wednesday 9 September to repatriate workers, students and other nationals. RSE employers are to liaise directly with Air Vanuatu and the Vanuatu High Commission noting that these flights are still pending confirmation. Vanuatu does not require any special pre-departure measures.
Visa Flexibility
Last week, the Government announced Visa flexibility for RSE workers. The industry groups continue our work with Government for backpacker visa flexibility. For workers on visitor permits, there is also the SSE visa scheme which some visitors now have. Employers need to register for the SSE scheme. We have asked for flexibility for both visitors and employers to use the SSE scheme.
Availability of workers
As winter pruning finishes there will likely be some groups of stranded RSE workers available for work, and a growing number of recently unemployed New Zealanders looking for work. For RSE workers, best advice at present is to contact other RSE employers direct or your regional labour governance group chair. Refinement work is being done on the Work the Seasons website to make the RSE worker page only available to RSE employers – we will advise when that work is completed. For redeploying New Zealanders, contact MSD.
Covid-19 Alert Level 2
Thankfully we are back to Alert Level 2 nationwide. The Level 3 boundary and Auckland border checkpoints, simply did not work. There are lessons to be learnt, and we are passing these onto the Government. Read Mike’s blog for the details.
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Elections again! HortNZ Director Elections 2020
You must get your voting papers for the 2020 Horticulture New Zealand director elections in the mail by Thursday 3 September if you are to meet the 12 noon, Wednesday 9 September deadline for receiving votes.
Alternatively, you can complete an electronic vote if you have your Voter ID and password, up until 12 noon, Wednesday 9 September.
If you have not received your email or voting pack from electionz, call 0800 666 040.
Votes can be cast in one of two ways: e-vote or postal vote. Voters will be able to vote for a maximum of three candidates. Voting is based on a first-past-the-post system so the three candidates with the most votes will be elected.
Six candidates are standing for the three vacancies this year. You can read their profiles and candidate campaign videos here.
The results will be announced at the HortNZ AGM on Friday 25 September 2020. Click here to register for the AGM.
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Women in Horticulture to promote leadership diversity
Women in Horticulture, a new industry group, aims to address gender disparity amongst senior roles in New Zealand’s horticulture industry. Despite women representing 50% of workers in the industry, the UMR study found women held less than 20% of leadership positions, with women missing from the top tables of many of our horticultural organisations.
A new website launched this week aims to tackle this imbalance by fostering an environment which will empower, value and support the thousands of women working in the horticulture industry across New Zealand.
The Women in Horticulture group and website are the creation of a group of female business leaders employed in a variety of management roles across New Zealand’s horticulture industry. Representing members throughout the supply chain, Women in Horticulture is dedicated to raising the profile of women in the industry and encouraging women’s participation in the sector.
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HortNZ in the media:
Auckland police checkpoints causing problems for hort industry Newstalk ZB
"Auckland police checkpoints are still causing bother for the Horticulture industry. Out of the 13 checkpoints set up around the region's border, eight of them are at the centre of the North Island's vegetable-growing heartland. Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman told Mike Hosking this has caused Police to respond to complaints from farmers struggling to get to work..."
Covid’s impact on seasonal workers Bay of Plenty Business News
"...Mike Chapman, chief executive for Horticulture NZ said the organisation was in active discussions with government about getting greater flexibility on visa renewals, for both RSE and holiday visa workers..."
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Dichlorvos insecticide controls come into force in September 2020
In September 2015, the NZ EPA made a decision to retain use of dichlorvos, but imposed restrictions and additional controls that have been phased in over the past five years. Dichlorvos insecticide (trade names Nuvos and Divap) is used on brassicas, cucurbits and squash, greenhouse and leafy vegetables.
From 15 September 2020, dichlorvos cannot be used outdoors (apart from spot or dip spraying). To view the full set of EPA controls, click here.
If you require further guidance or help in relation to these EPA controls, please contact Vegetables New Zealand General Manager, Antony Heywood.
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Updating ACC payroll info
ACC wants to ensure that your 2020/21 provisional levy reflects the impact Covid-19 may have had on your payroll. You are due to be sent your levy invoice from October.
Between now and the end of September, ACC is encouraging employers to update their estimated liable payroll for 2020/21 if affected by Covid-19. This will help ACC ensure your invoice is accurate.
To provide a revised liable payroll estimate:
1. If you’re an employer with PAYE staff, register or log in to MyACC for Business
2. If you’re a non-PAYE shareholder, email us at business@acc.co.nz, or contact the ACC Business Customer Centre.
For more information, click here
or call 0800 222 776.
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New Farm Debt Mediation Scheme
The Farm Debt Mediation Scheme started on 1 July 2020 and is a service to help farmers and growers facing financial problems.
The scheme uses neutral and independent mediators to help farmers, growers and their creditors work through debt issues.
For information about eligibility, benefits and more, click here.
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Applications open now for 2021 Kellogg intake
Are you, or someone you know, passionate about developing leadership skills, growing a professional network, and contributing to your community, business and industry?
Applications for the Kellogg 2021 Course 1 close on Monday 19 October 2020.
Click here for more info.
2021 Kellogg Courses
Course 1: 26 January – 7 July 2021
Course 2: 22 June – 25 November 2021
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Tukituki Plan Change withdrawn – current planning framework will continue to apply
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has decided to withdraw the proposed change to the Tukituki Plan, in light of the Minister declining the Council’s request for a streamlined planning process. The Council could have chosen to keep progressing the plan change through a standard process but has instead decided to withdraw the plan change.
The Council has indicated that it will look at the nitrogen allocation framework next year (2021/2022), but there will be no changes this year. That means that those landowners who have had to apply for land use consents will have those applications processed under the existing planning framework (including the current version of Table 5.9.1D).
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Tasman BioStrategy Public Meetings
The Tasman BioStrategy Working Group has prepared a discussion document which will inform the development of a Tasman Biodiversity Strategy. Feedback gathered at this stage will inform the shape of the Strategy.
The Tasman BioStrategy Working Group are a team of local biodiversity experts who are creating a strategy that will influence how the Tasman community work with nature.
Public meetings will be held throughout September at the following locations, from Monday 16 September:
Golden Bay, Motueka, St Arnaud, Tapawera, Richmond, Collingwood, and Murchison. Click here for meeting details including dates and locations.
For more information (including the discussion document) click here.
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Register for the 2020 AGMs
The Annual General Meetings (AGM) for HortNZ, Onions New Zealand, TomatoesNZ and Vegetables New Zealand as well as the annual meeting of NZGAP will be held at the Pukekohe Indian Centre on 25 September 2020. Members can register at the link below. A zoom option is also available and can be selected via the registration website.
Click here to register for the AGMs
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