Producers in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty are building housing and increasing wages to attract backpackers as labourers to help out on farms.
This comes as the government was slow in opening borders following long Covid-19 border restrictions leading to workers shortages in the country. This means local farmers have to pay up to 15% more to attract workers. The lack of enough people also limits growth of the industry.
Neighbouring countries such as Australia also offer better long term prospects for temporary workers to eventually gain residency, which is not the case in New Zealand.