GDP in the Fruit industry is forecast to increase almost 6% between 2023 and 2027.

MPI’s forecasted growth for 2032 across horticulture shows an increase across all occupations (BAU scenario):

  • 9% increase for managed workers, which for the Fruit industry include orchard workers, pickers, thinners and pruners, machine operator, and packing staff
  • 29% increase for managers (which for the Fruit industry include orchard managers, operations managers, and technical managers)
  • 21% increase for semi-autonomous workers (assistant managers, forepersons, thinning supervisors, and picking supervisor).

The Fruit industry workforce has a low level of formal qualifications. Based on those in the workforce where we have data on qualifications, 15% have no qualification and 12% have NCEA L1 or equivalent. This is a higher level of people with low level or no qualifications compared with the benchmark across all Muka Tangata industries.

The focus is on raising the key skills sets and maintaining a pipeline of skilled workers through the qualifications at levels 3 and 4 and growing leadership through the pan-sector Emerging Leadership Micro-Credential.

See Qualifications table here.