GDP in the Vegetables industry is forecast to increase more than 4% 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 Vegetable industry include glass house workers and packhouse workers
  • 29% increase for managers (production managers, operations managers, grower managers, and packhouse managers)
  • 21% increase for semi-autonomous workers (supervisors, glasshouse managers, grading team leads, pre pack team leads, dispatch team leads, and quality controllers).

The Vegetables industry workforce has a low level of formal qualifications. Based on those in the workforce where we have data on qualifications, 19% have no qualification and 11% have NCEA L1 or equivalent. This is a higher level of people with no qualifications compared with the benchmark across all Muka Tangata industries (NCEA Level 1 or equivalent is in line with the benchmark). 


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.