New Zealand's 2024 kiwifruit season has commenced, with Auckland seeing the initial harvests led by growers Bruce and Shirley Farley, and operations by Punchbowl. The nation anticipates a substantial yield of 193 million trays, a significant increase from the previous year's 133 million, attributed to favorable weather conditions enhancing growth. Zespri's RubyRed, a sweet, berry-flavored kiwifruit, marks the beginning of the harvest, soon followed by Gold and Green varieties. Peak harvesting is expected from mid-April through June.
Despite the optimism for a fruitful 2024, the memory of cyclones Gabrielle and Hale's destruction lingers, with NZKGI CEO Colin Bond highlighting the industry's support for affected growers.
Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson underscores the importance of maintaining fruit quality to meet the strong market demand, especially following last season's reduced volumes. The anticipated large harvest promises not only to bolster local employment, with over 20,000 seasonal workers needed but also offers a variety of roles within the industry, from fieldwork to packhouse operations, catering to a wide range of skills and interests. Competitive pay rates are poised to attract a diverse workforce, including retirees, parents, and students, to partake in New Zealand's largest horticultural export sector.
Source: sunlive.co.nz