Cyclone Gabrielle managed to spread its wind and rain across every kiwifruit growing region in New Zealand this week, a particularly critical time for kiwifruit growth so close to harvest.
“Although the situation continues to evolve, our primary concern at this time is with the immediate needs and wellbeing of the impacted members of our industry,” said NZKGI chief executive Colin Bond.
“I have been working closely with other leaders from the horticulture industry, government and stakeholders within our industry to ascertain the extent of the damage and the immediate needs of our people. No doubt that there will be medium and long-term needs for some of those impacted too.
“I also recognise that the flooding prior to Cyclone Gabrielle as well as the halting of the February progress payments had a larger impact for some growers. Our focus is on alleviating a range of pressures on many growers at this time. In addition, there is also a wider concern with the recent climatic conditions, including lack of sunlight hours, which may impact on fruit growth as harvest approaches.”
The industry has been working hard to lessen ongoing quality issues that hampered last year’s harvest. Growers have also faced adverse weather effects such as hail, frosts, cyclones and associated flooding in the lead-up to harvest that have impacted on kiwifruit volumes. Combined with a year of poor opening of flower buds, which form kiwifruit, this season looks to be an extraordinarily challenging one for growers.
“While this year’s poor bud break and weather means that it is too early to have a good grasp on the seasonal labour requirements to pick and pack the 2023 harvest, the lower forecast volume for 2023 indicates that we will need less labour than 2022 which required around 24,000 people.
“The reopening of New Zealand’s borders, lack of Covid-19 and downward economy indicates a temporary respite from the severe labour shortages of previous years. At this time, while the number of working holiday visa holders entering New Zealand is reassuring, it is not yet clear if the horticulture industry will receive its full allocation of RSE workers due to visa and flight disruptions,” said Bond.
The industry is also mindful that the drop in the volume of kiwifruit produced in 2023 only provides the industry with temporary alleviation, the pressure to source sufficient labour in 2024 is forecast to return when volumes significantly increase.
New Zealand has about 2800 kiwifruit growers located from Kerikeri to Motueka.
“The industry must work together to ensure the 2023 season runs as smoothly as possible despite the curveballs being thrown.
“I encourage Kiwis to get involved in the industry, whether it be picking, pruning, packhouse work or otherwise.
“It’s an industry that has roles to suit everyone, it’s rewarding, flexible, and the pay rates are competitive”, said Bond.
New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry is horticulture’s largest export, with an economic contribution of $2.4 billion in 2022 which is expected to grow to over $3.8 billion by 2030.
