About 100 fruit and grapegrowers and horticultural contractors from Northland to Central Otago have met in Taupo, to discuss possible refinements to the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.
The scheme replaced a seasonal work permit scheme in October 2007. It is designed to eliminate labour shortages by letting growers employ workers from the Pacific islands.
Horticulture New Zealand says a number of suggested refinements to the scheme will be discussed with the Department of Labour.