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New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan says the Government's decision to allow 300 RSE workers into New Zealand will help the industry plan with more certainty for the rest of 2021.
News that Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme workers from the Pacific Islands will be able to travel to New Zealand has been welcomed by the industry.
"At least some of these workers will arrive in time for winter pruning," says New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan. "This decision will benefit workers, their families and our wine regions."
The New Zealand Government announced in May that aroun 300 RSE workers would be able to come in through managed isolation facilities every month from June.
Philip says the decision will help the wine industry plan with more certainty for the rest of the year.
"The projected labour shortage has been a real concern for some regions, especially Marlborough and Central Otago, and we need this additional labour supply to meet our seasonal peak demands."
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.
The first stage of one-way quarantine-free travel with Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu will begin in October, initially for RSE workers, Covid-19 Response Minister and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor have announced.
Overseas workers on their way to drive machinery and pick fruit could be affected by last week's decision to pause the release of MIQ rooms.
The Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme faces three strategic risk areas, according to a two year study assessing the impacts of the migration programme.
Covid-19 has shone a light on the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, with the extended stay of workers threatening their spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing.
More Pacific Island workers won’t solve the acute labour shortage faced by New Zealand orchards and vineyards.
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