Central Otago fruit growers are rubbishing claims they're turning down New Zealanders for local fruit picking work as they'd prefer cheap foreign labour.
It follows union concerns that plenty of people are applying for jobs, but are waiting weeks for replies if they get them at all.
Orchard owners have been calling for the government to allow in more seasonal workers from Pacific countries to help with the summer fruit harvest.
Tess Brunton has more.
