The kiwifruit industry is seeing positive signs of recovery post Psa with growing optimism on the future of orchards in the region.

Labour MP and Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O'Connor visited Te Puke yesterday to see first-hand how the industry is doing.

Damien O'Connor during his visit to EastPack.

'We visited an orchard where there has been visible signs of recovery through grafting and good management, but I'm sure there are some orchards that will still be struggling financially, and to re-establish an orchard with good production.

'It was a great chance to see what is happening with the kiwifruit industry and see the optimism that is now in the region regarding kiwifruit's future.”

He says the kiwifruit industry has huge potential.

'This is an industry that has been developing over a long period and now is looking for another period as sunshine returns and prosperity.

'The fact that Gold varieties can be grown post Psa is a really positive sign and is something the industry should be proud of given the challenges it's had.”

The Labour MP also stopped off at EastPack and got to see one of the buildings he opened back in 2001.

'It was great to return and see its expansion and it's continuing to provide valuable opportunities for the region here.

'There are a large number of employees, who are dependent on that operation and the viability of the kiwifruit industry.”

While in Te Puke, Damien took the time to speak with a number of people to gauge how they were feeling leading to this year's election.

'There's a good feeling for Labour. There is certainly optimism locally around the kiwifruit industry, but issues around jobs, minimum wage, and migrant workforce were all discussed. He took the opportunity to remind industry leaders that 'we need to look after these workers and not in any way undermine their working conditions, their living conditions or squeeze their rates of pay”.

Damien believes EastPack is a great example of the wise utilisation and support for workers and the benefits that can accrue to both the islands and to our industry.

'These are the workers that come out of the Pacific Islands that come over here on work schemes to work for an employer and most of their money goes back to their home.

'There is some fairly strict criteria around them coming here. There is wide migrant workforce in the Bay and we have to be mindful that none of these workers are exploited.”