Kiwis who take up horticulture jobs could pocket an extra $1000 and get help with accommodation costs under a new scheme to tackle the country’s severe shortage of seasonal workers. Due to Covid-19 border restrictions, New Zealand’s $10 billion horticulture industry has been left short of thousands of seasonal workers and Kiwis have been reluctant to fill the roles. The Government hopes to change that with new incentives including a $1000 bonus for workers who complete six weeks or longer, up to $200 a week towards accommodation, and higher wet weather payments when people can’t work. Minister for Social Development ... (full story)