Friday, 15 February 2019 12:28

Labour shortage declared in Hawke’s Bay

Written by 
The declaration comes in response to discussions with pipfruit leaders, industry experts, and the MBIE. The declaration comes in response to discussions with pipfruit leaders, industry experts, and the MBIE.

The Government has declared a seasonal labour shortage across Hawke’s Bay.

The declaration allows visitor visa holders to apply for a variation of conditions, which will enable them to work on orchards and vineyards in the Hawke’s Bay.

The shortage is for a six-week period between February 25 and April 5; declaration comes in response to discussions with pipfruit leaders, industry experts, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

East Coast Regional Commissioner Annie Aranui says the shortage will be closely monitored and has assured the industry that Government will reassess the situation in four weeks’ time.

"If conditions on the ground are largely the same as what we see now, then we will consider extending this declaration."

Forecasts expect the peak harvest season for the Hawke’s Bay pipfruit industry may run until around mid-May 2019 and there is currently a worker shortage of about 300 to 400 people.

"We’re working hard to fill these positions and want to support New Zealanders into sustainable employment opportunities available in the industry."

Since October 2018, the Ministry of Social Development has placed more than 215 people into job vacancies in the local pipfruit industry with many more prepared to start employment once the main harvest is underway.

"We’d encourage anyone looking for employment, who enjoys physical work and the outdoors to get in touch. Although largely temporary, these roles are an opportunity for people seeking to get back into the workforce and can open the door to other things."

Aranui says there is also ways Work and Income can help, dependent on someone’s circumstances, to access support with training, transport, accommodation, equipment and more.

"It’s important to come and talk with us. Seasonal work provides a great opportunity for those who are capable of doing it. Many seasonal workers experience a variety of work in a range of locations and are able to stay employed year round using their diverse skills.

"We’re providing work brokerage support, training, upskilling opportunities, holding workshops and specialised seminars, job share programmes, and providing financial and case management support for our clients."

More like this

People expos set to return

Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers  the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.

Virtual CV valuable tool

With a 12-year history of recruiting specialised operators from overseas to service the agricultural contracting industry, Hanzon Jobs typically brings in around 200 people to New Zealand each year from the UK and Ireland.

Time for action — Editorial

OPINION: It's time for some real and fast action around allowing more seasonal workers into the country to help power NZ’s all-important agricultural and horticultural sectors.

Lack of labour

New Zealand kiwifruit growers are nervous about having enough people to work in the industry during the coming months, according to grower organisation NZKGI.

Featured

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

National

Machinery & Products

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets,…

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter