Growers Employment Expo

Are you looking for more flexible work hours?  Want part-time work just on the weekends?  Or how about somewhere free to stay while earning some extra income as you travel around New Zealand for summer?

A free employment expo is being held in Hastings this month, an opportunity to find out what seasonal work is on offer and how to sign up for exciting career opportunities in the horticulture, viticulture and summer fruits industries.

COVID-19 has severely impacted the availability of overseas workers, and Hawke’s Bay growers need about 10,000 workers between November and April for thinning, picking, packing and processing our world renowned produce.

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says we feed the country and the world with our produce and the industry need everyone’s help.

“We know the horticulture and viticulture sectors are extremely valuable to our region and helping with the seasonal labour shortage is a top priority of all us.”

Mayor Hazlehurst has brought together the industry, MSD, MBIE, EIT and other local councils to hold the expo, where there will be information about career opportunities, summer work, pastoral care and youth employment pathways with He Poutama Rangatahi providers. 

Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers’ Association’s Xan Harding says growers are thinking very differently about ways and means of hiring their staff.

“The industry knows it needs to be innovative and flexible when it comes to employing different workers.  They know that expecting people to work six days a week, 10 hours a day is not going to suit many people and they’re prepared to do whatever it takes to have the right person in their team - whether that be through free accommodation, transport, meals, training and upskilling and flexibility around work hours.”

New Zealand Apples and Pears is also getting creative with a new campaign, Pick Tiki, to entice school leavers and tertiary students 16 years and over looking for summer work.

It ensures employers are the best of the best and allows students to request help with transport, accommodation, and pastoral care. Students can get a team together or be placed in jobs with other students. There will be a helpline available, and local Pick Tiki staff on the ground putting on the likes of BBQ’s and rainy day activities for a memorable summer experience.  Students can also get January off to spend time relaxing and recouping before work starts again in February and beyond.

 Drop into the expo to find out more about the perfect job for summer.

Tuesday 10 November | 4-6pm | Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre

30 October 2020

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