A survey by NZ Kiwifruit Grower Industry found employers paid 18 per cent more per hour for staff this kiwifruit season than last year. According to this survey, the average 2021 rates, excluding holiday pay, were $27.03 an hour for picking green kiwifruit and $29.24 for picking gold kiwifruit. Skilled pack house workers got $25.63 an hour and unskilled pack house workers $22.35 per hour. Out of the 519 people who responded to the kiwifruit survey, 14.3 per cent did fruit picking and 85.7 per cent worked in pack houses. The industry says about 23,000 workers are employed in the kiwifruit industry at the height of the season, which runs between March to May.

Source: Stuff December 06, 2021 20:35 UTC