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Auckland at Alert Level 3
Reports from Monday indicate some delays at the Auckland boundaries, particularly at the southern boundary at Mercer. As a result, the New Zealand Transport Authority is altering the traffic layout to improve flows.
New Zealand Police is reported to have been taking a pragmatic approach to traffic management at boundary checkpoints, in light of the short adjustment time to the change in alert levels.
However, from today (16 Feb), there is likely to be an expectation of higher evidence, using the new Business.govt.nz system. This system automatically provides workers with a QR code that they can place on their dashboard when crossing the border. It is recommended that all businesses who need to cross the Alert Level 3 Auckland border register as soon as possible.
HortNZ will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates via our newsletter and website.
Please contact us if you need help
If you are unsure about anything or need advice, please email info@hortnz.co.nz.
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Level 3 region includes Pukekohe
The horticulture industry’s advocacy has resulted in the placement of the Level 3 southern border further south to include more of the Pukekohe area. As part of the Level 3 Auckland region, this change should minimise the number of border crossings necessary.
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Independent fruit and vegetable retailers to remain open
Under Alert Level 3, unlike last time, independent fruit and vegetable retailers can remain open, but must ‘minimise, or eliminate if possible, physical interactions among staff and with and between customers ensure appropriate health, hygiene and safety measures are in place’.
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No evidence of foodborne transmission of Covid
The New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre (FSSRC) has produced a further literature review update on the potential relationship between foodborne transmissions and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Click here to read the full report.
The FSSRC states that: “There is currently no evidence of foodborne transmission of COVID-19, and there is negligible risk of spread from food products or packaging.”
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Visa extension confusion explained
Working Holiday visas
Working Holiday visa holder extensions issued in December 2020 are not showing on Visa View. However, these visa holders are eligible to work and have been emailed to say that their visas have been extended.
Changes to visa conditions now allow the holders to work in any employment except permanent employment for the duration of their extended Working Holiday visa. This means that Working Holiday visa holders can be employed for all horticulture roles, including packing roles. Any time limit on total work for one employer will no longer apply.
Click here for more information.
Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) visas
The Ministry for Social Development (MSD) has made changes to the roles SSE visa holders can be employed in, to make the process simpler.
They have now applied a blanket approval of all roles (except some packing roles) until June 2021. This means employers can hire anyone with an SSE visa for any horticulture role (except packers) in any region up to the end of June 2021.
Click here for more information
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Gisborne growers are proactively working to create Farm Environment Plans to meet the council deadline.
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Gisborne growers come together for Farm Environment Plan workshop
Around 20 commercial vegetable and cropping growers in Gisborne came together to start their Farm Environment Plans at an industry led workshop last week.
Agrilink Director, Andrew Barber, stepped growers through the mapping and soils sections of a Farm Environment Plan using the Environment Management System (EMS) add-on to GAP. Mapping is a fundamental first step in the farm planning process.
At the next workshop on Thursday 4 March, growers will work through nutrient and irrigation management with an experienced nutrient adviser, and discuss how they can manage these aspects of their operations.
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Watercare’s application to take water from Waikato River
HortNZ is reviewing in detail Watercare’s 2013 application to take water from the Waikato River. We will be lodging a submission following consultation with product groups and district associations.
If granted, Watercare would be able to take 300,000 cubic metres of water a day from the Waikato River (including existing consents).
Submissions close on 26 March, click here if you want to make a submission. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Lucy Deverall on 0275826655 or Lucy.Deverall@hortnz.co.nz
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Horizons freshwater consultation
Horizons Regional Council is wanting feedback on freshwater and what people in the Manawatū Whanganui area value the most. This feedback will be considered as part of the revised One Plan.
If you would like to comment or get more information, go to the Essential Freshwater page below, or email info@ourfreshwaterfuture.nz.
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Looking for a growing opportunity?
HortNZ and the Pukekohe Vegetable Growers’ Association (PVGA) are seeking applicants for a new joint Career Progression Manager and PVGA Secretary role.
This role is a unique opportunity for someone to support growers and encourage people to join the industry as part of the national Career Progression Manager team.
Please send applications to jobs@hortnz.co.nz by 5pm, Friday 27 February.
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Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition postponed
The Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition and Gala Dinner, planned for Thursday 18 February, has been postponed due to the uncertainty created by Covid and the need to comply with Alert Level 2 social distancing and hygiene protocols.
A new date will be set after harvest and a return to Alert Level 1, in recognition of the fact that many of the contestants will be busy over the coming months.
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NZ Apples & Pears workshop in Ettrick this week
NZ Apples & Pears (NZAPI), the Rural Support Trust (RST) and MPI are holding a workshop for Central Otago growers affected by recent hail events.
This event will offer tips and information on support to assist growers this season. Shayne O’Connor and Pat Macaulay (RST) will be speaking, as well as Mike Chapman (HortNZ), Alan Pollard (NZAPI) and Erin Simpson (NZAPI).
Time: Thursday 18 February, 5-8pm (please note new time)
Where: Ettrick Hall, Ettrick
RSVP: info@applesandpears.nz
The event will be held in accordance with Covid Alert Level 2 guidance. Please RSVP and see the event flyer below for more details.
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List horticulture job vacancies for free
Please list all your seasonal vacancies on the Work the Seasons website: worktheseasons.co.nz/horticulture. Work the Seasons is being supported by the Government-funded, Opportunity Grows Here advertising campaign to help fill seasonal roles.
Permanent roles are best listed on the GoHort Job Board: jobs.gohorticulture.co.nz. Vacancies on GoHort are also being advertised as part of the Opportunity Grows Here campaign.
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2021 HortNZ Scholarships open
HortNZ offers a range of scholarships to New Zealand students and trainees who have a special interest in the fruit or vegetable industries.
Four scholarship types are offered, with up to $10,000 available.
If you have any questions, contact Jacqui Stalknecht schols@hortnz.co.nz or visit the link below for more information.
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Last chance: Have your say on rural recycling
Agrecovery has been asked by the Ministry for the Environment to help develop a nationwide collection and recycling scheme for all farm plastics, over and above what is done for agrichemicals.
As part of the development, Agrecovery is surveying farmers and growers to understand how to best develop the recycling scheme.
If you would like to have a say, please complete the below survey by 5 pm, Friday 19 February.
Responses are anonymous and collated results will be shared with industry groups.
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