HR expert and businesswoman Cherilyn Walthew’s idea for a casual workforce initiative needs support from funders or local businesses to bring it to life.

Cherilyn ran a trial of the employee database idea for two weeks over summer in Upper Clutha. 

EASI NZ's Director Cherilyn Walthew wants to get an online database built to help local businesses find casual workers. PHOTO: Supplied

The trial matched up seven seasonal placements with workers and there were an additional 29 people available for casual work during the fortnight. 

The idea plans to match up the skills of locals seeking casual work with employers looking for staff via a job board for Central Otago and Upper Clutha. Initially the online job centre will be focused on hospitality and horticulture.

The anticipated cost is around $200,000 for the first year and $50,000 less in year two as set up costs would be taken care of. 

Cherilyn has been part of several working groups around the district talking about the idea.

“It crosses boundaries between Queenstown Lakes District Council and Central Otago District Council, as well as with Oranga Tamariki and the Ministry of Social Development.

“Government budgets are due for renewal in June which is too late for us.... yet, everyone agrees it is a good idea."

She said despite the lack of funding she was trying to get something to work for local employers who were struggling to find casual employees.

“I’m looking at whether it can be done on a commercial basis. We need to get feedback from people about if it was a commercial model what would they be prepared to pay?”

Cherilyn said there is so much pain for employers now, despite the borders opening soon as tourists do not visit the area at this time of year.

“There is a critical lack of people available to work… we used to have transient people available for say, five days work somewhere.

“Now we’ve got people in town who can’t commit to these sort of hours…

“In the winter season employers need to upscale numbers of employees, but they might not be able to offer permanent positions.”

Along with businesses experiencing tight cashflows currently, Cherilyn said that lack of certainty about employees could further negatively impact our economy.

“For example an event company needs additional people for the delivery of an event. If they are uncertain whether they can get the people they need to do so, they are choosing not to take risks – hampering business and the economy.”

Figures for Otago from Statistics New Zealand were that 2.8% of the labour force was unemployed in quarter four of 2021. 

If you would like find out more about the job centre initiative please email Cherilyn [email protected]