Grower and Horticulture New Zealand national seasonal labour co-ordinator Jerf van Beek said it was not easy to access more RSE workers.
"Every employer that applies for additional workers over and above what they had last year almost have to write a book as to why they need them," he said.
"This is a very robust system that we need to make sure we give every opportunity to New Zealanders first - it's a New Zealand-first policy.
For several years other regions had "major increases" in the number of RSE workers, but not Hawke's Bay "because we are perceived to have high unemployment".
"Therefore it was very difficult for Wellington to approve."
He said growers had worked hard with the Ministry of Social Development on a seasonal scheme for New Zealanders, bringing unemployed people from other regions and providing transport and housing.
Seasonal workers enabled the industry to grow, providing more permanent jobs which brought social gains.
"We often talk about the seasonality of our industry adding to some of our social problems, but the industry is growing rapidly and our resident population won't feel the shock of that seasonality so much."
While there were schemes to accommodate the growing seasonal peaks in labour demand for primary industries, he said a more serious problem was attracting permanent staff.
Many couldn't see a career in the industry, despite senior jobs being "fulfilling and really well-paid".
"For the average manager on a orchard these days, I would say the package starts at $65,000. There is always a nice ute involved, a cellphone and other perks."
The industry was becoming increasingly technical. Crops were monitored so sprays were only applied when needed and irrigation demands were no longer assessed by "kicking the dirt", instead computers were used.
Attracting a new generation of managers was "a hard sell" despite the increasing corporatisation of the industry providing increased opportunities.
"Our industry doesn't seem to be sexy."
