Arrivederci Nikki!
In a matter of days, kiwifruit growers organisation (NZKGI) chief executive Nikki Johnson will leave her role at NZKGI.
The kiwifruit industry has been struggling to find enough workers to keep pace with growing volumes, says New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers chief executive Nikki Johnson.
The industry has welcomed the government announcement of 1000 more seasonal workers for the coming season.
This makes a total of 10,500 people now secured under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to work in the horticulture industry during its busiest harvest period.
The kiwifruit industry is committed to employing NZers as its primary workforce and RSE workers complement this when labour is short, says Johnson. The extra workers are essential to support the kiwifruit industry’s strong growth.
“The industry is aiming to more than double sales to $4.5 billion by 2025 and we can only do this with enough skilled people.”
The kiwifruit industry employs about 18,000 people each season; it generated nearly $2 billion in sales last season.
“This is great news for the industry, struggling to find enough workers to keep pace with growing volumes, and for the people from the Pacific who can support their communities by working in NZ.
She says NZKGI is going from strength to strength in its advocacy.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.