Both the kiwifruit industry and the unemployed in the Bay of Plenty look set to benefit from a new government initiative.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated is welcoming the Government's plans to get more Kiwis into seasonal work, and its decision to increase the annual Recognised Seasonal Employer cap to a total of 9000 workers.

NZKGI is welcoming the Government's plan to get more Kiwis into seasonal work and also raise the cap on RSE workers to 9000 - saying the move will help with growing kiwifruit volumes.

NZKGI president Neil Trebilco says this boost to seasonal workers is essential in delivering the industry's forecasted future growth.

'The kiwifruit industry is recovering quickly from Psa-V and is poised for big future growth.

'Over the next few years we're going to see a significant increase in Gold3 volume. By the 2017/2018 season, growers will be producing up to 40 per cent more fruit and its essential plans are in place now to support this additional volume by providing extra resources right throughout the supply chain,” says Neil.

'Together with HortNZ, Pipfruit NZ and NZ Wine Grape Growers, NZKGI has been urging Government to increase the cap of 8000 RSE workers, and this decision shows their commitment to the future growth of our industries. We're really pleased with the outcome,” says Neil.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett and Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse announced the plans, which include a New Zealand Seasonal Worker Programme to provide more pastoral care and other support to assist Kiwis into work.

'While planning is in the early stages, the programme will be developed in close consultation with industry and growers and I have been encouraged by their positive response and commitment to the proposal,” says Paula.

Michael says the need to raise the cap on Recognised Seasonal Employer workers from 8000 to 9000 demonstrates the success of the RSE scheme.

'There's no doubt that the growth in the horticulture and viticulture industry in the past few years would not have been possible without RSE, which has been widely praised locally and internationally,” says Michael.

'It has provided employers with a stable and reliable workforce and given them confidence to expand and invest in their business. RSE workers have also benefitted significantly from gaining invaluable work experience and being able to send money back to their communities at home.''

Neil says NZKGI will continue to work closely with the Government on behalf of New Zealand kiwifruit growers to both ensure Kiwis have the best opportunity for seasonal work; plus to continue ongoing support for the RSE scheme.

Under the RSE scheme foreign workers, mostly from the Pacific, are able to live and work in New Zealand for a specified period each year to assist with horticultural harvests.

Their recognised sessional employers must provide additional assistance for the workers which can include accommodation, training and education.