Horticultural contractors rally against ACC levy increase

A proposed 33 per cent increase in Accident Compensation Corporation levies for horticultural contractors is being contested by New Zealand Master Contractors.
Ian Stewart, newly appointed general manager of the organisation which represents contractors working in the horticultural and viticulture industries, said the levy increase did not accurately represent the risks involved in the industry.
"Horticultural contractors have been put in the category agricultural and fishing support services by ACC and we don't believe that is fair," said Mr Stewart, who is based in Tauranga.
"Horticultural contractors and their employees don't generally operate heavy machinery. Most are on foot, picking fruit or using loppers to prune vines or trees, or driving orchard tractors or hydraladders."
The organisation has employed a third year student from the Eastern Institute of Technology in the Hawke's Bay to review the data on claims by the industry as part of a case to persuade ACC to reduce the proposed increase.
"A representation to ACC from a national body will no doubt have more weight than if individuals objected to the increase on their own."
Formed three years ago as part of the national labour strategy established to address shortages in the horticultural and viticulture industries, the organisation has members throughout the country. They include those involved in the kiwifruit and avocado industries in the Bay of Plenty and Northland, apples and viticulture in Hawke's Bay, viticulture in Nelson and Marlborough and stone fruit in Otago.
As a result of the national labour strategy, the Registered Seasonal Employer scheme was established to enable overseas workers to be employed in horticultural industries. The scheme had done much to relieve problems caused by the lack of a reliable workforce, Mr Stewart said.
"Employing New Zealanders first is a condition of the scheme but even in the current climate of high unemployment, RSE workers continue to be important to the industry."
NZ Master Contractors can assist contractors in registering as RSE employers and help them upskill themselves and staff in best practice quality standards such as Global GAP and compliance with employment and immigration law. The organisation works closely with the departments of Labour, Immigration, Work and Income as well as industry training bodies such as Hort ITO and grower organisations including New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers, the Pipfruit Association and Sustainable Wine.
"It will become increasingly important in future for orchardists and post-harvest operators to have contractors working for them who meet the high standards required by our overseas markets," said Mr Stewart.
"Master Contractors represents the best in contracting services for the horticulture, viticulture and other seasonal industries in New Zealand.
"Our aim is to provide a reliable and professional contracting service for orchardists and growers in the kiwifruit, apple, grape, avocado, pip fruit, squash, cherry and summer fruit industries and to unite and represent the national interests of contractors in those industries."
Mr Stewart said NZMCI encouraged networking among its members, including those from different regions.