The election has passed and now we await the formation of a government, hopefully with renewed vigour to deal with the issues of rebuilding the economy.
Labour shortage focus
Top of our sector list is securing sufficient labour to get the crop harvested – something that is urgent and with few easy choices. Summerfruit NZ is working with others in the horticulture sector to have a comprehensive briefing for the Minister with options to address the looming shortage. As soon as Ministerial appointments are made we’ll be pushing forward with this.
Meanwhile, the Ministry for Primary Industries seasonal work digital campaign is about to get underway. This has a big reach and budget, far in excess of what we could achieve, and through the partnerships our team has developed, this campaign has the summerfruit harvest as its main focus.
Our recent campaign to target students appears to have gone well and a webinar done this past week by Chelsea Donnelly, the regional Horticulture Careers Progression Manager, is already circulating across all the universities. We’ve enjoyed building this relationship to connect with students and it’s now at the orchard and packhouse level that we need to continue that connection to turn potential into reality.
The Ministry for Social Development, both the Dunedin and National offices, have been highly responsive to our needs, and I know a number of growers are working closely with regional workbrokers to place Kiwis into work. The very quick action by MSD to get the regional shortage roles listed on their website that enables SSE visa holders to work, is an exemplar action to support our industry. There are no easy choices for this coming season so I urge you all look at attracting New Zealanders from out of the region to help fill what still looks like a big gap of harvest capacity. Unfortunately there are some unforeseen challenges to getting SSE visas for those WHV holders whose visas expired before 1 October.
We are ready to engage with the new government on RSE workers coming into New Zealand, a situation that, given many Pacific countries are free from Covid, is a immeasurably lesser risk than workers from other countries. If you hold an ATR, I encourage you to advertise on the Work the Seasons website as there are potentially RSE workers in other regions looking for work in December and January. We have been working with others on the issue of RSE workers and their international drivers licences. Last week the Associate Minister approved the next stage, which is unfortunately a period of public consultation on the temporary extension of driving permits, not yet an actual decision to extend. I encourage you to make a short submission to this NZTA rule change here, if this affects you.
What you can do
- Update your job advertisements on the Work the Seasons website.
- Get in touch with potential employees to check that they’re still keen.
- If you do have enough workers, please refer any job enquiries on to other growers or to Work the Seasons – we cannot afford to turn workers away from our regions.
- Be well informed about the work options for visa holders.
- Student visa – we are hearing that some growers are turning international students away from work because they think they can only work 20 hours per week. Student visas allow for full time work during the Christmas and New Year holidays if studying full time on a course of at least two semesters. For more information click here.
- SSE Visa holders – can employ to fill RSE shortfall, or to fill regional role shortages. Check the MSD map tool to see if your role is included here. Note packers have just been added to the Southern region.
- Essential skills/Visitor visa – can apply for SSE visa, but you’ll need to have a job offer and Employment Agreement for them to get apply for an SSE Visa.
- Go along to regional job fairs.
- 3 November, 11am-3pm; there is a careers day at Burnham Camp in Christchurch for those on the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) Scheme.
- 5 November, 2-5pm; Options 2020 Pop Up Job Shop in Dunedin.
- Commit to workers for harvest, now – the number of available workers is not going to rise dramatically. Secure what you need now.
I’m conscious that the harvest start is only weeks away – please don’t hesitate to call me to discuss your concerns or offer suggestions. My team and I have been working diligently to get the best possible labour outcomes in a vastly different and challenging situation. We’ve still some work to go and will continue to work with other stakeholders to get the best possible results.