A free Central Otago District Council (CODC) campaign aims to connect Central employers desperate for summer staff with possible employees, using engaging video content. 

The campaign uses employer created videos and support to help place people into seasonal roles, attract individuals to specific projects, or provide a workplace trial for a job seeker considering a permanent role in the industry. 

CODC economic development manager Nick Lanham said employers across all sectors are struggling to find staff. 

CODC economic development manager Nick Lanham

“Central Mahi promotes Central Otago work opportunities to potential employees across the lower South Island using employer created short engaging videos,” Nick said.

“The campaign focuses on seasonal and short-term roles, however I encourage employers looking for full-time staff to consider how they could use the campaign as a way of showcasing their business and providing someone with the opportunity to experience their workplace that may lead into permanent work in the future.”

Mayor Tim Cadogan said staff shortages affected the whole community and there were ways everyone could help find a solution.

 “If you can’t take on work yourself, can you spread the word to others who are looking for work, or maybe you have a spare room to take in a friend or family member from outside the district?”

The campaign tagline ‘it hits different’ refers to the way the campaign is being run; it aims to have an experience that feels better than a standard job search.

The first step of the campaign is to get employers signed up and create videos to promote the website to job seekers from early October.

Registered job seekers can indicate which area they are looking to work in: agriculture, horticulture, viticulture; construction; hospitality and tourism; retail; healthcare and other sectors. 

Cromwell’s The Gate Hospitality complex general manager Glen Christiansen was one of the first employers to create a video on the website.

Glen Christiansen has been managing The Gate complex since 2005

Glen said his staffing was now looking pretty good for summer and he was awaiting a security check for two chefs.

“The video was fantastic and we had a great success rate with it.”

Coffee Afloat and Burger Afloat’s Jolanda Foale said they were excited about putting their video out there.

Richard and Jolanda Foale have jobs offering a fantastic view right on the shore of Lake Dunstan

“Video media works fantastically. It helps portray all the cool stuff.”

Jolanda said her business still needs staff for summer.

“It’s really hard to compare things to last year. Then, everything was new… the trail was new [and] no one could come from overseas. Now everything is open and we’re back to thinking ‘right, what does this mean’ as we [gear] up for the season.”

More employer videos are being added as they are completed. Other companies recently signed up are Dion Morrell Shearing and Central Organics. 

For more information see.