Plan addressing 'critical' labour shortage in Hawk
25 November 2020 - Media Release - New Zealand Herald
A plan addressing the "critical" seasonal labour shortage in the horticulture and viticulture sectors in Hawke's Bay has been handed to government.
Following a meeting with Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi and industry representatives last week, Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Napier mayor Kirsten Wise have outlined a plan to help the region post-Covid.
The action plan highlights the commitments employers are making, including the creation of 1000 permanent jobs in the next five years, increasing pay rates for workers and working to support workers entering the workforce.
With 10,000 workers needed between November and April in the region, the plan also details the work the sectors are doing to meet the critical labour challenges, such as developing a long-term Workforce Development Strategy to support New Zealanders into full-time work in the sector.