Central Otago orchardists say there is always work for young enthusiastic people coming into the horticulture industry.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s comments earlier this week about the industry crying out for workers was taken out of context, according to those spoken to locally, who reminded people that fruit growing was largely seasonal.

3 Kings Cherries managing director Tim Paulin said the horticulture industry was always looking for decent staff, but often it was only at certain times of year.

He has strong numbers of people wanting to pick this summer, and will be looking to train several to operate tractors and other machinery.

“But we don’t thin so we don’t need a lot of workers until picking starts,” Tim said.

“The number we need also reflects the amount of fruit we have, but it’s hard to judge right now how big the crop is.”

From next November, the government will means-test 18 or 19-year-olds before they can access a Jobseeker benefit, and the prime minister is encouraging young people to look for work in horticulture.

But some North Island growers spoken to by media this week said they didn’t need any staff.

Tim said horticulture has always been a training ground for young people willing to come and learn new skills - particularly kiwis with a good attitude.

CAJ Apples Earnscleugh manager Murray Booth with some of his RSE crew. Photo: File

Another orchardist spoken to in Earnscleugh said there was a definite shortage in upskilled staff, but when growers were investing big dollars into new machinery they had to be cautious.

“For those committed to the industry and to a workplace, those jobs are there. But they have to be compatible with the local workforce and be work ready.

“Everybody I know needs supervisory staff and machinery operators, but we’re not all using $8,000 Massey Ferguson’s anymore, and you have to have the right operators or you could wreck your business.”

CAJ Apples Earnscleugh manager Murray Booth said he has several vacancies for fulltime staff, for supervisors and tractor operators.

“We’re always looking for people to take a step up, and it’s just not that easy to find staff. There seems to be a shortage all over Otago.”

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