A Labour MP says the reason for the seasonal worker shortage could be down to how much workers are getting paid.

The Ministry of Social Development has declared a seasonal labour shortage in the Bay of Plenty region.

MP Stuart Nash told Mike Hosking a way to engage more young New Zealanders is to look at how much companies are paying.

He says rates haven't increased for years.

"Pay them enough money that will get them out of bed and get them working, because like you say working in the hot sun doing a long day, because when it's picking season it is a long day, you know pay them what they are worth."

LISTEN ABOVE AS STUART NASH AND MARK MITCHELL SPEAK WITH MIKE HOSKING