The Western Bay of Plenty’s kiwifruit industry is a major driver of regional jobs, export value and economic resilience. Its continued success depends on having the right people, with the right skills. 

To support this, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) is undertaking a critical piece of research, supported in part by Priority One through our strategic focus on labour market planning.

The NZKGI research is focused on evidencing the future kiwifruit industry workforce needs, ensuring that growth isn’t constrained by labour shortages, skills gaps or uncertainty around future workforce. This research report is on track for delivery by the beginning of March 2026.

Delivered in partnership with industry, underpinned by robust modelling, the NZKGI research report will provide practical, data-driven insights to support confident in decision-making, advocacy and action  across labour settings, training pathways and productivity.

Specifically, the research will help answer key questions around the permanent workforce, skills for the future of work and supporting training requirements. Why this matters is simple: better information leads to better decision making by stakeholders for a resilient local future workforce.

Alongside this work, NZKGI is sending a clear and important signal: horticulture is not ‘just seasonal work’.  It is a sector full of long-term, meaningful careers spanning science, engineering, business, orchard operations and post-harvest.

To help bring these pathways to life, NZKGI has launched an Interactive Horticulture Careers Map, featuring more than 70 real people working across the industry. Each role links to a real person’s story, making it easier for students, educators, whānau and career changers to understand what’s possible and how to get there. By making these careers visible, the map helps open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked, while supporting the industry to attract and grow the next generation of talent.

Together, this research, Cultivate your Career and the Interactive Careers Map represent a practical, future-focused approach to strengthening the kiwifruit workforce. By combining supported research, visible career pathways and interactive experiences, the ongoing partnership with NZKGI and Priority One helps to ensure the industry is future proofed.

We would like to warmly thank the team at NZKGI for their ongoing leadership in workforce development. 

Futureproofing our workforce is one of the most important steps we can take to ensure the ongoing success of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry. This research gives our growers, employers and partners the clarity they need to plan with confidence. Alongside initiatives like the Interactive Careers Map, it creates awareness of the diverse careers available and strengthens the pipeline of skilled people who will carry this industry forward. We’re proud to partner with Priority One on this important piece of work that supports a resilient, capable and long-term kiwifruit workforce. Colin Bond, CEO, NZKGI.