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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.
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