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10 November 2020

Mike's Blog: 
Have we learnt the lessons from Psa?


The 10 year anniversary of the kiwifruit Psa outbreak reminds us that we must not cut back on biosecurity preparation and funding. We always need to be ready for biosecurity threats. 

Click here to read Mike's blog, or
Click here to watch it on YouTube.

HortNZ keen to work with new Government

HortNZ is keen to work with the new Government to ensure the industry can continue to grow and support New Zealand’s post-Covid economic and social recovery. 

‘New Zealanders have spoken strongly and provided the new Government with a significant mandate,’ says HortNZ President, Barry O’Neil. 

‘We’re keen to continue to work constructively with the new administration and its officials to ensure the horticulture industry is enabled to grow, while at the same time meeting our climate change obligations. 

‘In 2019, the New Zealand horticulture industry was worth more $6.39 billion and has grown by 64% in the past ten years.  That is thanks to industry innovation and grower investment in new varieties and growing techniques to stay ahead of international competition and respond to consumer preferences.  This growth is also because the industry is a sustainable user of land.’ 

To read HortNZ’s full Briefing for Incoming Ministers, click here.  

Click here to read the media release

Labour advocacy

NZ Apples & Pears, Summerfruit NZ and NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated – supported by HortNZ with HortNZ also representing all other horticulture groups – have stepped up advocacy with the new Government, now that Ministers have been sworn in.  That said, we first started talking with the then Government about the potential crisis in May. 

Government officials now agree with us that there is a seasonal labour deficit or shortfall that will reach in the vicinity of 10,000 workers, when we get to the kiwifruit and apple harvests.

That is why it is imperative that the border is opened for workers from Covid-free Pacific nations.  The RSE scheme needs to be allowed to continue, with industry-funded quarantine arrangements, to ensure the health of New Zealanders and the survival of our industry.  The RSE scheme is also very important for Pacific nations, who like New Zealand, no longer have tourism to rely on. 

We have made Government officials aware of all the work the horticulture industry is doing to attract New Zealanders into the industry, both for harvest and long-term careers.  Click here to see the full list.

We do not accept it when the Government says we are not doing enough to attract New Zealanders to horticulture. 

Lastly, we are working with the Government to streamline the Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) scheme, so the scheme is more accessible for employers and potential employees.  

Driver licences submission

A submission on behalf of the horticulture industry has been made to the Government, to extend the time that offshore driver licences can be recognised in New Zealand. 

At present, offshore driver licences are recognised for one year only.  With thousands of visitors to New Zealand stranded, including RSE workers and backpackers, their year has or is about to run out.  That is why we are supporting a temporary extension to the recognition of offshore driver licences.

Click here for the Government’s consultation documents

Labour

Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) update

This week, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has added some additional roles to the undersupply list.  All MSD regions except Wellington (which is not a high seasonal work area) now have some roles listed in the undersupply lists.  

The roles listed are general job roles for particular crop types and specify the period for which you can employ SSE visa holders without requiring a further application to MSD. Click here for more info.
 
MSD will be updating these lists on a regular basis.  At present, roles only go as far as February 2021, but they will be looking to extend the dates in early December 2020.  Growers/employers should contact their local MSD liaison person if they wish to have other roles considered for the undersupply lists. 
 
 

Employing SSE visa holders

SSE visa holders can be employed by either:
  • an employer with an approved SSE Approval in Principle (AIP)
  • an RSE employer with an approved Agreement to Recruit (ATR), where places haven't been filled by RSE workers, or
  • are filling a role in a Ministry of Social Development (MSD) region that's specified by MSD (click here for more info).

Click here for general information about SSE visas.
Click here for full information on hiring someone on an SSE visa.
 
 

SSE application address error

The RSE Unit at Immigration NZ is continuing to process SSE visas and Approval in Principle (AIP) applications. Please note the earlier SSE AIP forms had an out of date postal address but this has since been rectified. The correct addresses are:

Postal Address: PO Box 76895, Manukau Auckland 2241
Courier Address: c/- DX Mail EP71514, 20 Fairfax Avenue Penrose, Auckland 1061, New Zealand

If you are unsure if your SSE AIP form went to the correct postal address and you have not received confirmation, please contact the RSE Unit directly to check. 

For people interested in working for you as a horticulture employer through the SSE scheme, please advise the potential worker (the applicant) that they are required to provide a physical address, not a PO Box, on their visa application.  
 
 

Where to list job vacancies

In preparation for peak recruitment times, HortNZ has compiled a list of relevant recruitment websites.  Click here to view the list, which also outlines why you would use a certain site.
 
Worth checking out
Work the Seasons has received increased support from the Government and industry to help fill seasonal roles.  The GoHort job board is a free industry specific platform for permanent roles and internships, while Pick Tiki is a new initiative to recruit students for the summer harvest. Kiwifruit Jobs is a Facebook page set up by NZKGI to list kiwifruit job vacancies. 
 

HortNZ in the media


The Country - Fruit picking edition NZ Herald
The Country's Jamie Mackay caught up with HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman to find out who will pick our fruit this season.

Industry

New 5+ A Day Recipe eBook

5+ A Day is pleased to release a new edition of its recipe ebook: Fresh, Delicious, Spring Recipes for One.
 
Written by Niki Bezzant, the recipes feature fresh fruit and vegetables in season during spring: asparagus, avocados, new potatoes, tomatoes, tangelos, fresh herbs and more.
 
Click here to download the ebook.

NZKGI Factsheet on water storage 

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated has created a factsheet with some of the pros and cons of different water storage options.

Although the factsheet was created with kiwifruit growers in mind, other growers may find the information interesting too.

Click here to view the factsheet. 

Consultation on the Tasman Environment Plan

The Tasman District Council is developing the Tasman Environment Plan with community input.  It will replace the Tasman Regional Policy Statement and Tasman Resource Management Plan.
 
The Council is seeking initial feedback via its website and through drop-in sessions.  These run until 5 December 2020.

HortNZ

Proposed Selwyn District Plan – grower meeting

Selwyn District Council has notified the Proposed Selwyn District Plan for public consultation, click here for more info. HortNZ is holding a meeting for growers to learn more about the proposed District Plan and how this may affect them.

When
3pm to 4.30pm on Thursday 12 November

Where
Lincoln Event Centre – Baylis Lounge
15 Meijer Drive, Lincoln

RSVP by emailing Rachel McClung or call her on 027 582 7474.

Draft Timaru District Plan – grower meeting

Timaru District Council has notified the draft Timaru District Plan for public consultation, click here for more info. HortNZ is holding a meeting for growers to learn more about the draft District Plan and how this may affect them.

When
3pm to 4.30pm on Wednesday 11 November

Where
Temuka Alpine Energy Community Centre – AD Hally Lounge
Temuka Domain, Domain Avenue, Temuka

RSVP by emailing Rachel McClung or call her on 027 582 7474.

Our industry in the media

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