Jobs ripe for the picking

Post-harvest companies are confident they can fill vacancies heading into the packing season.

More than 1000 people are expected to come off the dole and take up jobs in the kiwifruit industry this season.

Another 1074 overseas workers would also fill positions under the recognised seasonal employer (RSE) programme. Local post harvest companies are confident they can fill vacancies heading into harvest.

Bay of Plenty Work and Income (Winz) regional director Ski Wisnesky says between January and June last year about 1050 working-age people moved off benefits and into seasonal work in packhouses and orchards. Numbers are expected to be similar this year, he says.

Winz is working closely with the industry and promoting the Government's policy of jobs for New Zealanders first.

"We have dedicated seasonal staff including four seasonal work brokers covering the region from Opotiki to Katikati."

EastPack chief executive Tony Hawken says its workforce increased from 260 to 2000 during the peak season and it is employing staff on all sites. "So far it's been good and it looks like we will have sufficient people to run our harvesting and packing operations this year."

Zespri estimates gold kiwifruit volumes will increase by 20 to 30 per cent this season and further in 2015.

It is estimated the kiwifruit industry will need 8000 to 9000 people this year.