A move to allow more seasonal workers into the country, is being seen as an important piece of the puzzle for kiwifruit growers.

From next month, seasonal workers from Covid-free Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga can come to New Zealand without quarantine.

Kiwifruit Growers chief executive Colin Bond told Kate Hawkesby even with the change, they may still be six to seven thousand people short next season.

“We really do welcome the news yesterday, but we are under no illusions that there is still more work to be done to encourage more New Zealanders just to fill that working holiday visa gap.”

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