Winegrowers welcome cash injection to solve labour shortage

Marlborough's wine industry members are welcoming news of a cash injection from Government to help solve labour shortages.

Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton announced yesterday a $65,275 contribution to an industry/ Government initiative to get the labour needed for the horticulture and viticulture industries in the short, medium and long term.

Marlborough Winegrowers spokesman Dominic Pecchenino said today the money was a welcome surprise that would get the wheels turning on longer term solutions.

His group was currently working with the Immigration Service and IRD to ensure visitors could get fast-tracked visas and IRD numbers when labour was required, but that was just a "quick fix", he said.

New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan said Winegrowers would be making a contribution to the initiative, to help tackle a very important industry issue.

- NZPA