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The mayor of Central Otago wants the government to make available to desperately needed orchard workers managed, unused isolation rooms.
Radio New Zealand reported that hundreds of administered isolation vouchers were available by April, and authorities were urging travelers to pick them up.
In a letter to immigration and agriculture ministers, Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said the district’s harvest labor shortage is getting worse.
“I have recently seen growers cry in fear and frustration with the upcoming apple picking season and the work required after that to ensure we have a harvest next year,” he wrote.
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All options had been explored to fill the labor shortage and an influx of recognized temporary employers from abroad was required, he said.
“The sudden appearance of MIQ [managed isolation and quarantine] vacancies can be a godsend. “
The horticultural industry could take advantage of room availability on short notice, he said.
Jo McKenzie-McLean / Stuff
Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan says the district’s economy will be devastated if more recognized seasonal workers are not brought into the country.
He called on ministers to ensure that rooms were not wasted if they were not occupied by returning New Zealanders.
“The financial loss to individual growers, the economy of my district and our nation will be devastating if we cannot harvest the fruit that is currently on the trees and secure the pruning and so on before the next season takes place.”
Horticulture NZ CEO Mike Chapman supported Cadogan’s call, saying there was a huge labor shortage across the country.
“Central’s growers are really in serious trouble, and everywhere. It’s a very depressing time. “
The logistics of bringing workers to New Zealand in a short period of time would be difficult, but it would be great to see higher numbers once a trans-Tasman bubble sets in, he said.
An MIQ spokesperson told RNZ that it was the first time in several months that the demand for managed isolation vouchers had declined, and the vouchers were available in April and beyond.
“MIQ wants to make the most of the rooms in managed isolation and bring as many New Zealanders home as possible.”
Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said he had told representatives of the horticulture and wine sector that while officials are looking for options to bring in more workers, “Covid’s current limitations, which include difficulties for CSR workers can return home, it means that any additional CSR numbers are likely to be very limited. “
“Industry representatives recognize that and say the focus now should be on what can be done for the future needs of the workforce next spring and summer,” Faafoi said.
“Those decisions will hinge on things like launching a vaccine in Pacific Island countries, as well as what might happen with non-quarantine travel from Australia.
“Both myself and representatives of the horticulture and wine industry agree that any access to CSR workers must be based on the workers being able to return home to their families once they have completed their seasonal work.”
