Kiwi workers called upon to save Aussie harvests

A new tourism campaign will aim to entice New Zealanders across the ditch to work during the upcoming harvest season.

Chief Winemaker Andrew Koerner of Blue Pyrenees fears it will struggle to find the workforce it needs by Feb, to start the all important grape harvest. Picture: Jay Town

Kiwi workers are being called on to save Australian harvests, as fears grow the price of fruit and vegetables will soar because of labour shortages this summer.

In an effort to combat the looming price crisis, Tourism Australia is launching a campaign to entice New Zealanders across the ditch to bring in harvests.

Social media ads will target young Kiwis, spruiking job opportunities on Australian farms, as well as in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

A travel bubble between the nations means the workers can avoid quarantine on arrival.

Following solid spring rains, Victoria is experiencing one of its best harvests in years but big farms, which typically rely on overseas labour stopped by border closures, are struggling to get the people power they need.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said New Zealand workers would be welcomed on Aussie farms with open arms.

“In the bush, our Kiwi cousins have a reputation for being fun-loving and hardworking and we will welcome them to come and enjoy our country hospitality, have a go and make a quid as well,” he said.

Joy Higgins, of Cherrytime Orchard near Wangaratta, said while the labour crisis did not affect her small orchard, it was hitting bigger orchards and she was not surprised the government was appealing to New Zealand workers.

”My husband has worked in orchards most his life and he’s been saying for a long time ‘there’s just not going to be enough people around to work’,” she said.

“He’s found the Australians are just not as keen to work as overseas people and he said if overseas workers aren’t here, there’s going to be a struggle to get harvest in.”

Chief winemaker at Avoca’s Blue Pyrenees Estate, Andrew Koerner, said his winery typically relied on a mix of Australian and international workers for the busy three-month harvest, from February to April.

But Mr Koerner said he was battling to source both local and overseas workers for the coming harvest.

“We’re looking for workers to help us with harvest … we do have a problem with that right now,” he said. “I believe we’re not the only ones.”