The Ministry of Social Development has declared a seasonal labour shortage across Hawke's Bay.
The shortage is for a six-week period between February 25 and April 5, in response to discussions with pipfruit leaders, industry experts and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
East Coast Regional Commissioner Annie Aranui says the shortage will be closely monitored and has assured the industry that Government will reassess the situation in four weeks' time.
"If conditions on the ground are largely the same as what we see now, then we will consider extending this declaration."
Forecasts expect the peak harvest season for the Hawke's Bay pipfruit industry may run until around mid-May 2019 and there is currently a worker shortage of about 300 to 400 people.