The Eastern Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Development Trust is looking at whether it can combine the aquaculture and kiwifruit workforces so it can boost long term job prospects for the area’s residents.
Chair John Galbraith says once Whakatohea’s mussel farm off Opotiki is fully operational it will generate more than 300 seasonal jobs.
The mussel season tapers off about the same time the kiwifruit harvest starts.
Both industries have a need for process operators forklift operators, maintenance staff, and management.
Currently the kiwifruit industry relies heavily on immigrant labour and itinerant backpackers.
Mr Galbraith says tourism is another job-rich industry.
He says the region has great potential given its location, climate, strong Maori asset base and availability of land.
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