Horticulture New Zealand President, Julian Raine, has expressed sympathy to those affected. “It is every grower’s hope that all their staff get home safely every night. It’s tragic to hear about the accident at Aongatete, and HortNZ would like to convey our sincere condolences to those affected by last night’s tragic events.”

The Kiwifruit Industry Community Support Fund Charitable Incorporated Society has been made available and is taking donations to support the families of the deceased.*

“We’re very glad to have the Fund available to support the worker’s families through this difficult time”, said Nikki Johnson, CEO of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. “This is a tragedy for the entire kiwifruit industry, and all of horticulture. Workers from the Pacific are a vital part of the workforce and the community, and we express our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of the workers who lost their lives last night.”                     

The Community Support Fund is taking donations at 06-0379-0245466-00, and will ensure that all monies donated reach the families of those affected.

*The funds donated are not tax deductible.