One of New Zealand's biggest food production plants says it needs more workers for this summer desperately.
Watties cannot find the workers it needs for the upcoming harvest period (file picture). Photo: 123RF
Watties says it needs to find more than 150 more workers at its Hastings plant by the end of January, in just over a week.
It employs 700 full time staff in the Hawke's Bay city but due to border restrictions, it cannot find the people it needs for the upcoming harvest period.
Watties managing director Neil Heffer said if they cannot find the workers it could spell trouble.
"If we're not able to fill all of those roles the risk is we won't be able to get all of our harvest in which is obviously something we want to minimise, you know it's super important to us that we minimise any food waste."
He said a range of positions are available, both permanent and fixed term.