The Central Otago District Council has launched its new drive to attract a seasonal workforce, with its ‘Spare room, Spare time’ campaign. 

If you have a spare room or spare time, then you are the target audience for the push.

Last season’s demand for seasonal workers outstripped the supply. 

The ‘Spare Room, Spare Time’ campaign targets locals, and their friends and family from out of the district, to be a solution to the predicted seasonal labour shortage.

At the peak of demand in December and January, Central Otago requires approximately 6000 seasonal workers to assist in the horticulture, viticulture sectors for the summer season. 

These staff would normally be sourced through the government-backed RSE scheme, international backpackers and, to a lesser extent, local youth, but COVID-19 restrictions mean for a second summer workers are harder to come by.

“We’re calling on Central Otago locals to invite your friends and family to come and experience a Central Otago summer ‘working holiday’,” Central Otago District Council Economic Development Manager Nick Lanham says. 

“Make up that spare bed and offer to put them up.”

“Also, if you have some spare time yourself then we’d love to see our locals fill those vacancies too.”  

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan says having a “summer in Central is one of the great things to do in life”.

“We have amazing seasonal work opportunities and when the working day is done, there are the long, warm summer evenings to enjoy some time by the lake, a ride on one of our great bike trails or just spend social time with the new friends that will be made.  

“There really is no place that has our World of Difference – but don’t take my word for it.  Come and find out for yourself.”

Clyde Orchards’ Kris Robb is right behind the drive. 

“This is a great campaign. The availability of affordable and comfortable accommodation is in really short supply over the summer,” Kris says. 

“Whilst we appreciate that it is up to industry to supply accommodation to our staff we do need some help in the short term.  This campaign is a big step towards providing this assistance.  

“It’s a scheme that can be rewarding and a great experience for both parties.”

As for their seasonal staff numbers, Kris says there is reason to be optimistic. 

“At this stage we’re cautiously optimistic with staff numbers, it’s looking good on paper but we won’t really know until we get started on how many staff we actually have.  

“Labour availability will no doubt get tight after Christmas.”

Quarantine-free travel will allow more RSE workers back into New Zealand.

Changes to quarantine-free travel have helped, with Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers on their way.

“It’s great to have (half) of our RSE crew back since July, and hoping to get the remainder of the team here by the end of the month. 

“These guys will make up less than 10% of our workforce with the balance made up from a mix of students, kiwis and backpackers.  

“It’s awesome to have a number of university students returning from last year as well as a loyal local contingent.

Kris says the optimism extends to the season in general, while a healthy dose of hope is being held the weather continues to trend well. 

“Currently we have what looks like a great crop so are hoping for some settled summer weather and good returns, but with the volatile state of the current environment on many fronts we are trying to prepare ourselves for anything.”

As part of the Spare room, Spare time campaign, Council will be producing ‘Wish you were here’ postcards, which will be available at local libraries, i-SITEs and service centres for people to pick up and send to friends and family with the invite to come and stay. 

There will also be a social media video clip to watch out for on the Central Otago District Council and centralotagonz facebook pages and share widely.

Go to centralotagonz.com/seasonal-work to learn more about seasonal work opportunities.