Speaking in Te Puke today following a tour of the Seeka Oakside packhouse, National Party leader Christopher Luxon is outlining "two suggestions" for the Government to improve the labour shortage in the kiwifruit industry.

"The challenges in this industry are really clear. There is a major shortage of labour, that is also partly contributing to a worsening product quality as a result," says Luxon.

Luxon's comments follow reports of kiwifruit quality and labour shortages being a "significant issue" this season.

"The first [suggestion] is we would like to see the Government increase the Registered Seasonal Worker (RSE) programme from the pacific up from 16,000 to 20,000 people," says Luxon.

"The second thing we think is important is rather than having one year visas, we would create three year visas for multiple entry, for those workers to come in and out of here."

Luxon adds the benefit of this would be to have people come to "work here during the kiwifruit season, then back home" every year.

"I think this would actually deal with the labour shortage we have here in this sector."

National Party leader Christopher Luxon, Seeka Harvest Operations Manager Paul Crone and Rotorua MP Todd McClay. Photo: Georgia Minkhorst/SunLive.

"We want them to be successful right now and the Government is not doing enough on opening up the immigration settings so the businesses in this sector can maximise returns, which benefits all of New Zealand."

He says the kiwifruit industry would function "so much better" if the "bureaucracy was reduced" surrounding immigration.

"If New Zealand is going to be more successful as a country, it needs to have really good export lead sectors and businesses. Some of our best export lead businesses are right here in this sector.

"At the moment, this is a Government that is not getting things done."

Photo: Georgia Minkhorst/SunLive.

"This is a Government that is not helping a very key sector for New Zealand. This is a Government that is not really supporting business people at all and as a result we are not maximising the opportunity and that means we are not fundamentally helping to make New Zealand a wealthier and better place as a result."

When asked about the ongoing Sam Uffindell investigation, Luxon says it still needs to "run its course".

"Once we complete the process we will communicate where we are. I want it to be an independent investigation and follow a good process, so that all parties can input into that knowing it is safe and confidential.

"Maria Dew will do a great job as QC on that, so we will let her run through the process and take it from there."