Recent frosts in New Zealand will be positive for kiwifruit growers who have already picked their vines as it may ward off pests, website SunLive.co.nz reported.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc (NZKGI) president Neil Trebilco told the publication there were few frosts in the winter of 2013, which was one reason why paper wasps and German wasps appeared in large volumes across orchards during summer.

"Hopefully the frosts will reduce population numbers. A lot of people whose fruit has been picked will also be pleased with the frosts as they want to get rid of the leaves on their vines so they can start winter pruning," Trebilco was quoted as saying.

However, the executive mentioned growers who were yet to pick their vines would have an anxious time before harvest, but frosts had been light so far, the story reported on May 27.

"I haven't heard of any frost damage this morning and I know post-harvest companies will be picking the most frost prone orchards as quickly as they can," he told SunLive.

Trebilco said all of the gold variety kiwifruit in the Bay of Plenty had been harvested, while two weeks remained for green kiwifruit.

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