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Detail in Government Covid plan

Indevin Ltd director of operations Richard Gardner agreed there was a distinct lack of clarity from the Government.

‘‘It is fairly hard to interpret the implications for the wine industry. The key question will be if the wine industry will be classified as ‘critical’,’’ Gardner said.

Wine Marlborough general manager Marcus Pickens said there was a high level of ambiguity in the Wednesday update and he still wasn’t sure of the wine industry’s status.

‘‘It depends on how they define ‘critical.’ The wine industry is critical for Marlborough’s economy and New Zealand’s economy, for that matter,’’ Pickens said.

‘‘Everything was very unclear. I just don’t think it answered any of our questions.

‘‘It certainly didn’t quench any fears.’’

With the harvest due to start next month, Pickens said it was imperative the industry had the desired answers as soon as possible.

Experts predict that the Omicron wave will peak in about eight weeks time, and right in the peak of harvest.

Marlborough’s wine industry injects around $570 million each year to the region’s economy.

‘‘It will hit right in our critical time of harvest and any disruption will potentially have a devastating impact for Marlborough and the region’s businesses,’’ Pickens said.

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2022-01-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-01-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

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