OFFSHORE LABOUR APPROVED

New Zealand Winegrowers has warmly welcomed the Government announcement to recommence the movement of RSE workers from the Pacific to New Zealand as part of the recognised seasonal employer scheme. This decision has helped the New Zealand wine industry secure access to the supply of offshore labour that it needs, to ensure that New Zealand can continue to make premium-quality wine. “At least some of these workers will arrive in time for winter pruning, a skilled role at which they excel. This decision will benefit workers, their families and our wine regions,” says Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers. “The projected labour shortage has been a real concern for some regions and we need this additional labour supply to meet our seasonal peak demands.” Pruning is particularly important this year, to set up the industry for optimal fruit production in 2022. This will also help the New Zealand wine industry to plan with more certainty for the rest of the year. However, the increased costs associated with bringing RSE workers into New Zealand will play a part in whether or not some businesses can take advantage of the Government’s decision. nzwine.com