The continual war against COVID-19 has meant RSE and backpacker workers are at a record low, as workers are desperately needed for the apple and vineyard harvests.

Seasonal Solutions’ Jo McFarlane says the organisation needs workers for apple picking and packing, as well as the vineyard harvest.

“(We) currently need about 100 or more for harvest from March to about May,” Jo says. 

“Pre-COVID our RSE numbers peak at 600 at this time of the season due to the students returning to Tertiary and secondary schools.

“Generally most people start to move on from Central Otago before we start apple harvest and then grape harvest from Late March to May.”

Jo says the apple harvest will start late February, a bit earlier this season. 

“Some growers are talking about a January 20th start and some are saying late February early March. 

“Grape harvest will start late March but normally early April. 

“The predominant role is harvest but there is also a need for tractor drivers, QC for the pack house and other roles post harvest.”

The lack of RSE and backpacker workers mean apple orchards and vineyards are struggling to find workers. 

She says the season has had its up and downs, but the determination and hard work of industry professionals has seen it through. 

“The season had its fair share of challenges mainly due to the weather. 

“In the end the perseverance of growers is amazing and they get on with it. 

“Some of the bad publicity they copped was uncalled for.”

The workers themselves have ebbed and flowed, with the border shut to backpackers and RSE workers, many growers had to do the hard yards to find workers themselves to fill any gaps. 

“(Worker numbers have) been up and down,” Jo says. “Obviously very low in terms of RSE and backpacker numbers, and will continue to stay that way for the rest of the season. 

“We placed over 200 applicants into jobs since late November. A lot of growers had also done their own recruiting but I don’t have numbers for that.”

Anyone interested can register their interest with seasonal solutions at www.ssco.co.nz

Photos contributed.

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