"I got some strange looks. Some people thought we'd bitten off more of the apple than we could possibly chew.
"It was pretty bold but it was totally worth it, looking back," Howard says.
Three of the young people's achievements were recognised recently. Fittingly, they were graduates of the Crasborns Freshmax SEED Rangatahi industry training initiative launched in 2020 by Work and Income.
Seasonal Employee/Employer Development (SEED) employment and training provides mentoring to industry recruits, helping them to build careers in horticulture or other industries.
Two SEED graduates, Parris Ratima and Kathryn Botherway, are now employed with Gourmet Blueberries in Hastings. Gourmet Blueberries was established in the Bay in 2000 and has undergone rapid growth.
A 12ha greenhouse is currently being built to further increase their production.
Greenhouse manager Phil Ferrier says that with the rapid growth, they are needing new blood. Speaking during the graduation function, he shared the following comments about Ratima and Botherway:
"Although they've only just started out on their journey with us, I can see they're both going to be successful, and proven themselves in so many ways - they should be very proud of themselves.
"Blueberry propagation and production is highly technical.
"They are working with a new varietym a number one variety from the US," Ferrier explains.
Kathryn has shown her ability in pricking out the new seedlings that are tissue cultivated . It’s delicate work. It looks like we’ll need up to 10,000 of these seedlings to meet future demand.”
While Botherway dreams of working in the cruise ship industry, the pandemic put that on hold. Joining the Gourmet crew in the medium term has proven a win/win.
“Although it wasn’t my first choice, it’s been a good opportunity to learn a lot and appreciate getting work here,” she says.
Ratima has been mentored by Rapi Kupa, an assistant grower with Gourmet.
They are part of a young team that exude confidence and Kupa has built a great rapport with them.
“When the boss isn’t around, they are head down and into it which always speaks volumes to me of their commitment,” Ferrier explains.
Ratima’s next step will be to get on the machinery.
“He’s got a real focus which is what we need for operators on expensive kit,” Ferrier adds. “We’ve got new sprayers valued at around $20,000 so it’s critical that we get the right people and Parris has that potential.”
Pastoral care is a key ingredient for the success of SEED workers. Tim Snape and Tim Bloor attended the function on behalf of Land Based Training, who provide pre-employment training ahead of job placement and ongoing pastoral care to employees once placed with the employer. They also check in regularly with the employer to check on progress and address any difficulties early on.
Bloor says offering that go-between often resolves issues around transport and work/home-life balance quickly, with Work and Income work brokers in the wings when needed.
“Driver licences are a common barrier for many rangatahi and getting their full licenses are next steps for both Parris and Kathryn.”
Building Workforce Capacity
The Crasborns Freshmax Rangatahi SEED programme has seen 37 job-seekers graduate since it began in January 2020.
It is helping build workforce capacity in the growing horticulture sector. Twenty of the graduates have gone on to permanent jobs with the company.
SEED employers supporting the new talent including T&G Global, Crasborns FreshMax, Bostocks NZ, and Mr Apple.
“There’s this idea that people working in horticulture, especially in the pip fruit industry, are just doing seasonal work and picking apples,” says Work and Income labour market manager for East Coast Robyn Leake. “But it’s far more than that – it’s about offering great career opportunities, especially for young people. SEED is creating careers in a growth sector.”
SEED tailors each programme to the individual and their needs. Participants gain nationally recognised skills training and qualifications while they’re employed.
While much of the training is on the job and about the industry, participants also receive oneon- one, individualised pastoral care and mentor support.
