ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Produce prices could increase as result of Pacific seasonal workers

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 27 Nov 2020, 1:02PM
Photo / NZ Herald
Photo / NZ Herald

Produce prices could increase as result of Pacific seasonal workers

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 27 Nov 2020, 1:02PM

Produce prices could go up, because horticulture businesses have to cover the cost of MIQ for Recognised Seasonal Employees.

It's one of the Government requirements for employers, after announcing 2000 seasonal workers from the Pacific will be able to travel to New Zealand, to address labour shortages.

Employers must pay workers $22.10 an hour.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman told Kate Hawkesby prices of fruit going up is a natural consequence, because it ripples down the line.

He says growers' margins are expected to reduce, which will reflect produce cost.

LISTEN ABOVE

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you