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New Zealand fruit, vegetable and winegrape growers welcome increase in workers coming from the Pacific

28 February 2022

Media Release: New Zealand’s fruit, vegetable and winegrape growers have welcomed the news that the Government has increased the cap on workers from the Pacific under the RSE scheme to 16,000 workers.

Omicron Update #8: Move to Phase 3 and bulk ordering RAT tests

24 February 2022

The Government has announced that New Zealand will move to Phase 3 of the Omicron response at 11.59pm on Thursday 24 February. Also, a process for the bulk ordering of RATs has been set up.

HortNZ update: More pragmatic approach needed

23 February 2022

HortNZ, product groups and horticulture businesses are continuing to lobby the Government for a better, more pragmatic approach to the management of Omicron in the workplace.

Call for HortNZ Board director nominations - two vacancies

23 February 2022

This year, two grower elected HortNZ directors will retire by rotation. Nominations are now being sought for these two vacancies. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, 8 April 2022.

New weather tool set to be a game-changer for drought-struck growers

23 February 2022

A new tool being developed by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) to forecast drought and dry conditions could help growers and farmers be better prepared.

Pandemic boosts garlic sales

23 February 2022

Demand for garlic soared last year, as the spread of Covid-19 and recurring lockdowns saw consumers turn to home-cooked meals and healthier ingredients. ANNE HARDIE reports.

Omicron update #7 - RATs - ordering and what to do if you have a positive test

16 February 2022

The Government has now stood up the RATs ordering and distribution system. Critical workers who are identified as close contacts and are vaccinated and asymptomatic can access RATs to go to work.

Omicron Update #6 - Move to Phase 2

15 February 2022

The Government has announced that New Zealand will move to Phase 2 of the Omicron response at 11.59pm tonight, Tuesday 15 February, given the sharp increase in community cases. 

Attracting and retaining Kiwi workers key to future of picking

15 February 2022

With the border still closed and backpacker numbers dwindling, Central Otago cherry growers had to cast their net far and wide to attract the pickers needed for the 2022 harvest season.

Southern Fresh hydroponics puts Waikato on the map

15 February 2022

The past 20 years have been a busy time for the Dunn family. What began as a family cut-flower operation near Cambridge has blossomed into one of New Zealand's leading producers of greens and herbs.