Zespri global sales top $5 billion for 2024–25 season amid strong demand
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
A former Bay of Plenty kiwifruit labour contractor and its former owner have been ordered to pay $276,000 by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) for exploiting six migrant workers.
Raj Kiwi has been fined $160,000 and its former shareholder and director Rajasekar Chellappa was individually fined a further $70,000 for 49 employment minimum standards breaches.
A subsidiary belonging to Chellappa, Raj Infotech, was ordered to pay nearly $30,000 by the ERA in 2019 in wage arrears and penalties, after non-compliantly ending a migrant IT consultant’s job before offering them a job picking kiwifruit.
The violations included breaches of minimum wage, holiday pay, not keeping records, and absent employment agreements.
Raj Kiwi was also ordered to pay wage arrears to the workers, totally more than $26,000.
“This offending was blatant, and the Authority’s high penalties show it recognises the employer was at the worst end of migrant exploitation,” said Labour Inspectorate horticulture sector lead Kevin Finnegan.
“But it could have been worse,” he said.
He says that the Inspectorate encourages anyone who believes their employment rights are in breach to come forward.
He says that Zespri was also quick to respond after receiving complaints.
After discussions with the Inspectorate, Zespri immediately suspended Raj Kiwi’s contractor certification.
“It is actions like this from Zespri that automatically shows the sector and its supply chains that employers like Raj Kiwi are a red flag to anyone doing business with them, or buying their services,” Finnegan said.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…