The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is supporting NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc (NZKGI) to get New Zealanders involved in this season’s kiwifruit harvest.

As part of its “Opportunity Grows Here” attraction campaign, MPI is helping the industry in its efforts to attract thousands of people into seasonal harvest and post-harvest roles.

“From working out in the orchard to the packhouse to the office, people with a wide range of skills are welcome, and there’s flexibility in the hours for those who want to work part-time or weekends only, “ says MPI’s director investment skills and performance Cheyne Gillooly.

“There is a diverse range of careers on offer, so we’re hoping people who may have not previously considered a job in the sector will give it a go,” Mr Gillooly says.

Throughout the kiwifruit harvest, MPI’s Opportunity Grows Here campaign will use online media, radio, print publications as well as billboards to spread the word that there is a wide range of seasonal roles available.

Jobs are based primarily in the Bay of Plenty, but also across Hawke’s Bay, Poverty Bay, Auckland, Northland, Tasman, and South Waikato.

The picking season runs from March until June, with the peak starting mid-to-end April.

NZKGI chief executive Nikki Johnson said they were thrilled to have the support of MPI.

“They are creating some excellent initiatives to get out the messages around kiwifruit work opportunities to those seeking employment.”

To apply for kiwifruit roles, visit Work the Seasons or Kiwifruit Jobs NZ on Facebook.

¦ The Help the Harvest get-together in Gisborne on Thursday evening was very successful, with more than 70 people steered into horticulture work, picking the apples and kiwifruit primarily.

That number is expected to grow as other people get drawn into the local hort workforce.