"I think there's a lot more opportunity here than people realise. In lots of regards, especially for people doing export, it's a great connection back to other parts of the world."
Mr Walford believed there were opportunities for migrants in a variety of roles.
"Health is quite a strong one. There also seems to be a cry for experienced engineers, welders and labourers."
Seasonal workers on temporary visas were also in demand, he said.
"Orchardists I've spoken to say they guarantee a level of productivity for them. They're really good at working. They live together and don't have any other distractions so they make sure each other come to work every day."
There were still challenges filling employment gaps in Hawke's Bay, however.
"There's a bit of fear [on the employers' behalf] sometimes. Somebody might have said they had a migrant and it didn't work out so others will be put off hiring them.
"If they settle here, instead of Auckland or Wellington, the houses are cheaper and the rates are lower so they'll have more discretionary income to spend on other things."
Nationally, more than 860,000 people have had work visa applications approved since July 2010.
