Two separate cases involving Bay of Plenty kiwifruit labour contractors have highlighted ongoing compliance issues in the industry, with Top Produce now owing $1.5 million to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), and the earlier collapse of Gurukirpa Contracting Ltd and Saran Contracting Ltd revealing alleged unpaid taxes of $57 million. The cases, reported by the Herald, highlight both the challenges the government faces in enforcing tax and labour compliance, and the measures the kiwifruit community is taking to prevent exploitation of seasonal workers.
Amandeep Singh, sole shareholder and director of Bay of Plenty kiwifruit labour contractor Top Produce, now faces a $1.5 million debt to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) as the…