Industry groups and businesses say the labour shortage is the worst in years and a lack of available workers - especially backpackers and international students - and the region's low unemployment rate is to blame, not pay rates.
However, Priority One's Annie Hill says a proportion of those unemployed are not well prepared to start work and jobs in the kiwifruit industry can be physically demanding and not very highly paid.
"If those on the minimum wage are taking home $540 a week and housing costs are $350-$400 a week, that doesn't leave much for other living expenses."
Hill says global kiwifruit prices have increased, which could result in higher wages to help attract more workers to the industry.
Of course, it's disappointing some people collecting an unemployment benefit are unwilling to take up jobs - regardless of pay rates. It's far better, in my view, to be working.
A job is more than a pay packet - it provides a sense of self-worth, and future employers are more likely to favour a candidate who has shown a willingness to find work.
However, if the industry is enjoying the benefits of a bumper crop and there is a risk that there might not be enough hands to gather the harvest, then the industry should, in my view, assess pay rates, so workers also share in the success.
It also stands to reason that if more money is on offer, more people will be interested in working in the industry.
