New Horticulture/Viticulture Seasonal Labour Strategy
Meeting the seasonal labour needs for NZ's fruit, winegrape and vegetable crops is a key aim of a strategy launched by government and industry early this month. Recent expansion of NZ's orchards and vineyards requires increasing numbers of seasonal labourers - at a time when low unemployment has meant a drop in local labour supplies. A working group of industry, union and government representatives has developed the strategy over the past 12 months, which involves innovative changes in both government policy and industry practice.
The strategy includes initiatives such as a "PickNZ" harvest trail. A national website is planned to provide NZers and visitors on working holidays with information about available work in various regions. Pickers, pruners, packers and other seasonal workers will be able to readily organise ongoing work with different crops throughout the country - from apples in the Hawke's Bay, to kiwifruit in the Bay of Plenty, and grapes in Marlborough.
Other planned initiatives include the formation of contractor associations and strategies to reward and retain staff. To increase training and productivity, industry organisations and local grower groups will work closely with the Tertiary Education Commission, and Industry Training Organisations. The NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporation is leading the way with the development of industry qualifications in association with the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. This Kiwifruit Cadet Programme encourages workers to consider long-term careers in the industry.
Many of the initiatives encompassed in the strategy have already been started. A national co-ordinator has been appointed to integrate regional initiatives, and develop national ones such as the Contractor Registration Programme. It is estimated that more than half of the industry's labour is supplied through contractors, who also supervise staff on the property. The programme will help contractors access government services and comply with government regulations.
Other innovations are already underway, including one-stop-labour shops in regions such as Central Otago, and in the Hawke's Bay where the PickNZ concept has been successfully piloted. The concept includes extensive marketing, and close liaison with immigration and tax officials.
Similar work is being done by Seasonal Solutions Central Otago Ltd - a limited liability company owned by a trust, which will eventually be transferred into grower ownership and become self-sustaining. The trust, initially sponsored by Work and Income, serves orchards and vineyards by providing labour. It helps overcome obstacles for potential labour, such as accommodation and transport difficulties. Seasonal Solutions also provides a "one-stop-shop" for visitors needing, for example, variations of conditions on their work permits, or tax information.
Horticulture NZ is the main industry body involved in this initiative. Its website is located at: http://www.hortnz.co.nz/ |
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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