The grocer was hard-pushed to deliver growth as it battled tightening customer purse strings, despite inflation moderating.
Plant-based meat sales in Australia increased by 47% between 2020 and 2023 and per-capita consumption grew by 28%, according to Food Frontier’s 2023 State of the Industry report.
The Australian hotels, pubs and liquor group is adding another asset to its growing New Zealand portfolio.
The ASX has asked New Zealand Coastal Seafoods to explain the circumstances around the closure of its Christchurch production facility and how the details became public.
The shutdown of New Zealand Coastal Seafoods’ Aotearoa operation has been confirmed to the Australian Stock Exchange by its board.
Woolworths’ CEO failed to disclose his company’s ROE under questioning during a Senate hearing – why?
The Australia-based crowdfunding platform, used by Kiwi F&B manufacturers, was founded by Jonny Wilkinson and Chris Gilbert and launched in NZ in 2014.
The Australian Senate’s hearing into supermarket prices is off to a fiery start with Woolworths’ CEO told he could face imprisonment after failing to answer questions.
Regulation of supermarket power is overdue and Australia’s Treasury-commissioned review recommends changes – but are they enough?
The International Fresh Produce Association Australia and NZ has called for a national approach to banning plastic non-compostable Price Look-Up code (PLU) produce stickers.
Recommended changes to Australia’s Food and Grocery Code of Conduct bring it more in line with New Zealand’s new Grocery Code of Conduct.
Administrators have been tasked with assessing the future of a clutch of Australian restaurants controlled by the New Zealand group behind Botswana Butchery and White + Wong’s.
Australasian manufacturer and distributor Soulfresh has secured the Australian and New Zealand distribution rights for US beverage brand Liquid Death.
The ANZ business adds one of the world’s fastest-growing energy drink brands in an exclusive agreement that includes local NZ production.
The newly opened $35m Christchurch pet food processing factory names its first two clients, landing contracts with Chinese and Australian companies.
New Zealand-based agritech company Robotics Plus has signed an exclusive partnership with spraying equipment supplier Croplands to manage the Australasian distribution of its autonomous vehicle Prospr.
A strong recovery in the operational and financial performance of Inghams’ NZ business set it up for expansion, according to CEO Andrew Reeves.
ASX-listed New Zealand Coastal Seafoods’ shares remain suspended from quotation – a standstill first implemented at the end of last year.
The company behind the drinks brand revives plans for a capital raise to help drive expansion in NZ and Australia.
Days after a testy television interview, the CEO resigns and will be replaced by WooliesX boss Amanda Bardwell.
The plant-based jerky business founded by Jade Gray says the cost of being on NZ shelves is no longer viable for the manufacturer.
Australia’s Four Corners programme has taken that country’s supermarket duopoly to task, questioning the chief executives of Woolworths and Coles about their pricing and supplier negotiation tactics.
The dairy giant is merging Fonterra Brands NZ with its Australian operation, with the new entity to be led by René Dedoncker.
The Penfolds owner’s first-half profit falls 5.9% on the back of sluggish US premium sales, while the luxury market held its own.
Red meat exports from New Zealand totalled $10.2bn in 2023, a drop in value of 11% as prices softened but volumes rose.
A private Australian company co-owned by a former race car driver with FMCG turnaround experience is taking over the frozen dessert manufacturer.
The ACCC says it will use its “full range of legal powers to conduct a detailed examination of the supermarket sector”.
The Australian distiller brings its sharp pricing to Woolworths NZ in an expansion from on-premise in the country’s non-alcoholic market.
New Zealand-founded agritech business CropX Technologies is buying Green Brain, a digital irrigation management solutions provider based in Adelaide, Australia.
The company expects an improved performance after a restructure of its Australian business and debt pile.
Australia’s major supermarket groups are to come under scrutiny in a senate probe of their pricing and profits.
The way food packaging is designed can have a significant influence on what parents buy and children consume, write Australian health researchers.
Dual-listed Ebos Group is in NZX and ASX trading halts following it being linked to the purchase of TPG Capital-backed pet and vet group Greencross.
The 52-year-old business in Australia owes about A$50m – A$55m.
Food and beverage sector stakeholders from around the country are gathering in Sydney for the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council’s annual conference, which falls days after Supie’s collapse.
Almighty has crossed the $600k minimum raise target set for its current capital raise.
Seeka says it has invested $19m in developing orchards in New Zealand during H1 2023.
A Sri Lanka organics giant is sizing up the NZ opportunity with a road map that includes pouring hundreds of SKUs into the market, and potentially its own organics supermarket.
Ārepa is making strides across Australasia, driving into convenience with two recent account wins across the ditch after adding country managers for the two respective territories.
The breakfast specialist is sizing up the Aus market, where it sees potential to get a better margin shipping product direct than it receives in grocery domestically.
Zero-alcohol products do not cause the physical harms associated with alcohol, but they are not without risk, according to new research from Monash University.
The gluten-free specialist has upsized into a new factory and is adopting a “defensive strategy” in its entry into Australia.
Distribution business Freightways says it is on track to be admitted to the ASX on Tuesday 12 September 2023.
New Zealand Coastal Seafoods’s 100%-owned subsidiary Nine Ocean Fisheries has secured a debt facility with the National Australia Bank for the aggregate sum of A$1.9m.
CEO Andrew Low on the coffee company’s ambitions and the opportunities to expand overseas.
Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci says “the short-term outlook remains challenging” in New Zealand, after earnings fall by a fifth.
Vow Group chief executive and co-founder George Peppou and Food Standards Australia New Zealand principal toxicologist and risk assessor Dr Nick Fletcher are key speakers at the upcoming AltProteins 23 conference.
Australian company Ampol, which owns Z Energy, says it saw good growth in food and beverage sales during the half-year to 30 June 2023.
The Kiwi firm is expanding in Australia with its Upcycled Grain Project – a challenger brand in a market dominated by multinationals.
Beverage brand Almighty has opened what is its first public capital raise.
Wellington-headquartered infrastructure investor Morrison & Co has taken a 50% stake in Australian-listed packaging firm Pact Group’s crate pooling business.
Treasury Wine Estates has entered into a contract to purchase vineyard assets in Australia and New Zealand for approximately A$50m ($54m), according to its annual report.
Co-founder of Auckland-based FMCG brand incubator Red Shoots, Rhona Mackenzie, has been selected to attend the first all-women’s business delegation to Australia for the Mana Wahine Mission.
The Auckland beverage business lands its largest contract to date, entering hundreds of stores in Australia.
Suntory Oceania brings together spirits and alcoholic RTD business Beam Suntory with Frucor Suntory by 2025 in Australia and 2026 in NZ.
New Zealand Coastal Seafoods is turning its focus to ramping up its Australian activity after ticking off a number of milestones in the June quarter.
Woolworths NZ’s MD tells the Ticker how closer ties with the group’s Australian parent will affect the products on the supermarket chain’s shelves.
The Woolworths group follows up last week’s pledge to double down on its trans-Tasman connection with the expansion of its Australian rapid delivery service into NZ.
New backers join the NoLo beverage business ahead of a capital raise to support Australasian expansion.
Edible tableware manufacturer Twiice is making moves in Australia.
The Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) says that after 40 years of the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER), progress is required in some key areas.
The beverage brand is looking for up to $1m capital, which it says will be used to accelerate growth and capitalise on current market momentum.
Australasian poultry group Inghams has been given the green-light by the Commerce Commission for the upstream acquisition.
Lion Group has taken over the remaining 50% of leading Australian spirits brand Four Pillars Gin and will soon control distribution in New Zealand.
The drinks business tells the Ticker it has ambitious growth plans for its health and functional beverage products.
The Australian distiller is cutting prices for consumers while increasing margin for its on and off-premises partners in the pursuit of global growth in a stratifying sector.
The plant-based venture is scouting for a foothold in what is perceived to be a less competitive NZ market, as grocery gets streamlined at home.
My Food Bag’s application to de-list from the Australian Stock Exchange has been accepted.
Australian mānuka honey producers have followed New Zealand’s industry by confirming it will not appeal the recent Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand decision.
Reusable cup venture Turn Systems is one of two New Zealand startups selected in a ten-strong cohort of emerging innovators for PepsiCo’s inaugural APAC sustainability accelerator.
One of the original players in New Zealand’s plant-based food scene is undertaking its third crowdfunding raise to support its expansion into export markets.
Robert Iervasi is stepping down from his role as group CEO Oceania after 16 years with the group.
Proper Crisps has won the Best Food Product accolade for its Cheeza Peno Tortilla Chips at Australia’s 2023 Naturally Good Awards.
The craft beer brewer secures a significant contract across the ditch and also strikes a deal to finally allow it to use its Behemoth brand in that market.
New Zealand’s Better Packaging Co installed a four-metre-high plastic poo sculpture on Bondi Beach to coincide with World Environment Day on Monday.
The premium pet food brand founded by former Icebreaker supremos Jeremy Moon and Rob Achten secures national ranging across Australia.
Nelson’s Sprig + Fern Brewing Co saw four of its beers find success at the Australian International Beer Awards, which were held in Melbourne last week.
Trade Window has struck a partnership with Australia’s peak body for exporters, Export Council Australia, to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions for trade.
Westland Milk Products is expanding its Westgold brand in Australia following a showcase of its products at Foodservice Australia 2023.
IPONZ calls the case a “trans-Tasman tussle of extraordinary proportions over trade mark rights for mānuka honey”.
Fonterra Brands has been named 2023 Supplier of the Year Award by Australian wholesale distribution and marketing company Metcash.
The ANZ pet sector deal gets the green light from NZ’s competition watchdog but is still waiting for a decision from Australian regulators.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has appointed Orlando Rodriguez managing director of CCEP Australia.
New Zealand food and beverage companies are some of the most active exporters to Australia, benefitting from 40 years of a “gold standard free trade agreement” between the two nations.
The public’s appetite for cultivated meat will be tested as part of a year-long process that could see the approval of the first cultured product for consumption in New Zealand and Australia.
The plant-based desserts venture will use some of the funding on export pilots for the US and Australia.
Christchurch plant-based manufacturer Grater Goods is looking to scale up manufacturing to expand in NZ and make a move into Australia.
New Zealand Coastal Seafoods has completed the acquisition of Australian seafood fishing and wholesale export business, Nine Ocean, via a share purchase deal.
Hell Pizza has officially opened a new store in Brisbane – its second foray into Australia in its almost 30-year history.
New Zealand packaging waste innovator SaveBOARD has opened its first beverage carton recycling facility in Australia.
Australia’s number one selling non-alcoholic RTD lands in NZ, distributed by Hutchinsons.
Woolworths’ has filed a clearance application with the Commerce Commission as part of its proposed $619m Petspiration purchase.
Hospitality software company Loaded Reports has raised $3.25m in equity and debt to help drive expansion overseas.
An Australian private equity firm and owner of sausage maker Hellers is buying the company which owns Boost Juice and Betty’s Burgers.
CEO Jesse Newson says that with Covid fading into the distance and PE firm Pioneer backing its growth plans, it’s now about “getting on and doing it”.
Lower sales and higher wages could see Countdown’s half year earnings slashed by 50%, according to parent Woolworths.
The winemaker green-lights a significant investment in 0%, unlocking a tenfold capacity increase as it adds Coles in Australia and preps a push into old world wine territory.
The Auckland-based jerky manufacturer says its new investor has not only injected growth capital it has also unlocked a 20x capacity increase.
The company says launching direct-to-consumer sales will allow it to get close to the consumer before a potential move back into Australian retail.
A deal for Yealands will follow two other separate industry transactions underway for New Zealand wine businesses.
Freshly minted B Corp Blue Frog Cereal is heading into its Woolworths range review with the number one selling premium muesli in Australia’s A$1.5bn category.
Christchurch-based NZCS says it is a “unique opportunity” to establish an Australian base.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has opened consultation on proposed changes to the the Import Health Standard: Aquatic Animal Products that was issued on 11 May 2022.
The Auckland beverage business has a new part-owner, expanded to Australia, and is growing its brand beyond plant milk.
The largest gathering of South Australian wine, food, and spirits producers and exporters in many years is heading to Auckland next month.
The Christchurch-based diversified agribusiness invests in pet food processing and edible by-products operations in Australia.
“We are excited about this unique opportunity to take some of Australia and NZ’s best-loved brands to the next level,” says the Hong Kong-based investor, one of Asia’s largest PE firms.
Basketball star Steven Adams and Zespri boss Dan Mathieson are the latest high-profile investors to back the brain food technology venture.
Key account with Coles adds Australian heft while the route-to-market in the US is a reciprocal brew under license partnership.
Many consumers believe fake meats are better for health and the environment, but is that true? The view from across the ditch.
“We’re adding value back into a category that has had a lot of price and quality erosion,” says co-founder Roman Jewell after securing a significant range extension in Australia.
The global brand is coming after NZ’s $270m yoghurt category, launching three ranges of its flagship greek yoghurt in Countdown.
Move Logistics Group is gearing up its new oceans business with its first trans-Tasman sailing scheduled for Q4 2022.
NZ boss Peter Lange will exit the business.
As well as being prepared for scale across the ditch, Kiwi exporters must invest in marketing support and deliver competitive prices, according to new research.
Global shipping company Maersk has set up a new Less-than-Container-Load service connecting Australia to New Zealand.
Three NZ food firms have been picked to take part in a product innovation drive for launch into the Australian market.
A clutch of Aotearoa’s food and beverage companies are in the 31-strong delegation of businesses on a trade mission to Melbourne and Sydney this week, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The trade mission will showcase Kiwi food and beverage in Melbourne and Sydney.
The dairy company is now facing a class action in the NZ High Court, which relates to earning disclosures in the same period as Australian claims.
Australia and New Zealand’s first alternative proteins conference, AltProteins, takes place in Melbourne today.
The snack company is looking for investors to unlock plans to quadruple revenue over the next three years.
The Wellington-based natural soda syrup company looks to D2C to drive overseas growth as it marks 10 years of business.
“It gives us about five times the footprint and capacity… and that matches our ambitions for 180 Degrees,” says NZ country manager Mike Cullerne.
Queensland is initial focus for pizza franchise before a nationwide expansion is considered.
Thousands of visitors from Australia will arrive in New Zealand today, marking the restart of isolation-free trans-Tasman travel.
Grain and edible oils business GrainCorp has lifted its earnings guidance by at least $110m on the back of significant global demand caused in part by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The company replicates its model in Australia to open a new channel for craft beer brewers across the ditch.
Proper Snack Foods GM Andy Leonard says challenging shipping and rising costs provided extra motivation to establish manufacturing across the ditch.
The company is struggling to meet demand for its zero alcohol products and could soon sign-off a new $2m+ investment.
The Auckland business expands into hundreds more Woolworths stores as it pushes the nascent premium cereal category across the ditch.
The Queensland factory recognises the growth Frucor Suntory believes is possible, says boss Darren Fullerton.
The Central Otago juice company is targeting Australia to double sales across four states.
New Zealand’s re-opening of its borders to Australian visitors in mid-April and visa waiver countries in early May will do more than just help tourism, writes the Ticker’s Paul Yandall.
The innovative beverage maker plans to push up its valuation ahead of dusting off a delayed $5m capital raise.
Catalano’s Seafood has listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, raising over A$5m from its initial public offering.
Countdown employees working alongside Australian colleagues shipped in to fill gaps in New Zealand stores and supply chains should immediately receive pay parity and be remunerated at the significantly higher rates of their colleagues from across the ditch, First Union says.
Australian food firms face stricter rules around the availability, affordability, accessibility, and marketing of food and drinks.
The beverage business wins a major distribution deal for its immunity tonic with the Australian supermarket giant.
Its Australian market share grows, but a wobbly US performance continues, and in-roads are made in China.
Listed food industry supplier MHM Automation has reported a net profit of $1.41m for the six months to December 2021, up 279% on the previous corresponding period.
Andrew Childs’ and Hannah Miller Childs’ Chur brand is about to re-enter Australia after cutting ties with their distributor there last year.
With Covid cases ballooning in the city, how did the food manufacturer manage to stay open during the peak?
The Kraft Heinz Company chair Mike Pretty is to share a Sydney factory Omicron case study with the government.
Staff shortages slowed manufacturing, choked distribution and pushed costs sky-high for the baked goods manufacturer.
The seafood company secures new opportunities for product formerly destined for Foodstuffs, but not at the same price.
Australia’s Woolworths Group has named Sealord one of its top suppliers for the year.
Countdown owner Woolworths has made a last-minute takeover offer for pharmacy group Australian Pharmaceutical Industries for A$871m (NZ$907m).
The A2 Milk Company says it will defend a second class action filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria in Australia, this time by Shine Lawyers.
A push across the ditch in 2018 has seen the premium popcorn business grow 50% year-on-year.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has been granted A$492,495 (NZ$508,270) to create an international food safety forum.
The UK-based distributor is bringing with it Australian functional beverage Shōjō Tonics, with more products in the pipeline.
The company built its reputation on beer and cider but a move into spirits has enabled its first foray across the ditch.
Manufacturers and retailers will contribute food information for an online consumer database of products.
The Mother Earth owner says its acquisition of Sunsol and Lucky is a “leap forward” in a key international market for the Hamilton-based business.
Lockdown helped drive growth in the supermarket group’s Q1 results with e-commerce surging.
The A2 Milk Company says it is aware of reports about a potential class action led by Australia’s Shine Lawyers but has no knowledge of any further legal proceedings.
The Auckland food firm has clinched a deal to get its snack bars into Woolworths stores across Australia and has ambitions for its premium breakfast cereals to follow.
The Auckland-based business is not just launching into Australia, it is entering lockdown-prone Melbourne via foodservice and independent retail.
The pandemic has delivered the supplement and health food firm new consumers who have pushed up global revenue by 50%.
The iconic Kiwi drinks firm looks to increase Australian sales from 25% to 80% of its revenue.
Chapman Tripp has confirmed that Christchurch investment group the South Island Office paid A$95m ($100.25m) to buy dessert company Sara Lee from McCain Foods.
Marina Hirst Tristram and Ainslie Pomeroy’s company inks a deal that will see its Juicies go on sale in around 900 stores across the ditch.
The company behind Marcel’s Pancakes has doubled in size in four years, growing its retail presence across Asia Pacific – a strategy accelerated by the pandemic.
The sharp fall in tourism trail sales in NZ has prompted the Christchurch company to test the international appetite for its granola snack bars.
The business founder on expanding into export, building a global brand, and whether she’d ever sell her non-alcoholic drinks firm to an alcohol company.
A2 “considers that it complied with disclosures notifications at all time,” following a class claim filing in Australia alleging misleading or deceptive conduct.
The cereals business is nearing $5m in total sales underpinning its Australian premiumisation strategy.
The head of the US giant’s Kiwi business on its $45m investment in innovation, supply chain ‘whack-a-mole’, and is she applying for Kellogg’s top ANZ job?
After a rollercoaster 2020, No Ugly is gearing up for growth undertaking a $2m capital raise as it looks to transition from a functional beverage business to a broader health and wellness company.
Four months on from its acquisition of 180 Degrees, Arnott’s is dodging Delta disruption and preparing to push the premium cracker brand.
The premium mixer business is making major inroads in retail, preparing to put boots on the ground in the US, and is about to go live on Amazon.
Shortlisted for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award, Matthew Bennett says his snacks company is expecting significant growth from across the Tasman this year.
Australian alt-meat success story Fable Food is partnering with local specialist Sustainable Foods to enter NZ.
The Christchurch investor follows its $30m purchase of Original Foods by acquiring the iconic dessert maker.
With a Foodstuffs deal and imminent entry into Australia, the beverage business says its growth plans are back on track after a patchy start to the year.
A burgeoning seaweed business is focused on drumming up demand for its food products before tackling the challenging issue of commercial supply in New Zealand.
Adjunct Professor Mark Booth has left Food Standards Australia New Zealand to join an international management consultancy.
Finding growth means driving existing brands like Old El Paso but could also see new products brought down under from the United States.
The Melbourne-based business is launching in New Zealand as the fast-growing bubble tea sector continues to expand.
Bootleggers tonic and mixers brand is set to launch into Australia following the appointment of a local sales agent and the securing a contract to supply what it says is the country’s largest liquor retailer.
New Zealand cocktail brand Finery is looking to secure distributors in both New Zealand and Australia as the young company’s network expands through a recent supply deal with Australian liquor retailer Dan Murphy’s.
Hastie is back at the firm he founded 19 years ago, and he has growth on his mind for his tea and biscuit business.
A year on from its purchase of Hop Federation, the Ticker talks to Kono’s CEO about the brewery’s integration, exporting during a pandemic and whether more acquisitions are on the cards.
The eight-week pause in the travel bubble with Australia is having an immediate impact on hospitality and accommodation bookings, according to Hospitality New Zealand.
US food giant General Mills has appointed of Matthew Salter as its new managing director for Australia and New Zealand.
The health snack firm partners with a supplement company controlled by richlisters the Mowbray family.
Lion reveals 2020 sustainability scorecard and commits to action on value chain carbon emissions.
Who ate all the pies? Non-meat eaters are changing the market and helping to drive innovation and new products, says Goodtime Pie Co.
The Australian distiller aims to be stocked in 300 NZ outlets by the end of the year with more staff and an office planned.
The fortified foods firm plans to double production and boost exports to Australia while it explores markets further afield.
Wellington startup Marama Labs is charting a course for global growth after raising $1.25m for its winemaking technology.
Australia’s major supermarkets have been ‘red flagged’ by a new food tool which shows them offering bigger discounts on unhealthy foods more often and more prominently.
Supply chains continue to suffer from severe congestion globally according to New Zealand Trade & Enterprises latest bi-monthly update for May, although some headroom in seafreight to Australia may be on the horizon.
The Taihape-based food firm will start exporting to Australia after securing a deal with distributor Scalzo.
The growth is being driven by a big increase in exports to Australia – but that may not last, says NZ Avocado.
New venture Ovāvo is targeting the nascent global avocado powder ingredient market.
Six Barrel Soda Co is driving into Australia with a new strategy to double sales and its retail footprint across the ditch by mid-2023.
Jacinda Ardern and Scott Morrison have concluded their meeting at the resort – was there anything in it for food and beverage?
Can the country’s food exporters learn lessons from another sector heavily exposed to a single source of income?
A2 said it believes it has complied with all disclosure obligations.
Global ingredient company Kerry aims to be at the forefront of taste trends across New Zealand and Australia with the opening of a new multi-million dollar purpose-built food technology and innovation centre in Queensland.
Pepsico says it will be the first large food FMCG business to move to 100% recyclable, compostable or biodegradable packaging across its entire snacks range in Australasia.
Young Kiwi drinks company Pals expands its push into Australia after rapid growth in New Zealand.
Listed Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has set a date to complete the spin-off of Endeavour Group, its drinks and hospitality business – a move first mooted back in July 2019.
The deal catapults Australian biscuit giant Arnott’s into NZ’s premium cracker category.
Maker2U will launch its online farmers’ market sister-website in the UK later this year.
Australia is the biggest export destination for New Zealand feijoas and there is real possibility for expansion, says New Zealand’s largest feijoa exporter.
The Hawke’s Bay cider company has partnered with the airline to become the exclusive cider on all flights.
New Zealand sales grow as the company’s Taco Bell rollout continues.
New approach in Australia means ramping up online sales and securing a new distributor.
Hot on the heels of Asia, Impossible Foods is now preparing to enter Australia and NZ with its plant-based meat products.
NZ’s ministerial engagement in the trans-Tasman GE Food Standards approval process has been silenced, says GE Free NZ.
The new blueberry varieties will be able to be grown year round in Australia.
New Zealand food tech company Ārepa has clinched a deal to supply its smart drinks to BP petrol stations.
Egmont Honey is launching its health supplements range, Egmont Health, into Australasian retailer Coles.
The food giant plans to relocate its Wiri confectionery manufacturing to Australia.
Reducing waste, carbon emissions, water usage, sugar and non-recyclable packaging form the backbone of Frucor Suntory’s ten-year sustainability plans.
The agribusiness confirms it is in the running to buy Villa Maria in what would be its first foray into wine.
The KitKat wrapper was produced by collecting and processing waste soft plastic.
The Te Puke-based produce handler more than doubled its annual profit in FY20.
Air NZ’s cargo business will deliver around five million kilograms of food over summer.
The kiwifruit exporter gets the go-ahead for a sale and leaseback deal, unlocking more profit for the year.
The Australian government says it will give Kiwi workers $2000 to take up a short-term contract there.
