Bed numbers are on the rise in Central Otago to accommodate growth in the viticulture and horticulture sectors.

A recent Central Otago Labour Survey shows there has been a significant increase in planted areas across both sectors since 2014, which had prompted a need for more workers and, ultimately, accommodation.

A key finding of the survey showed growth was expected to continue across both sectors, but at a lower level.

Sector growth from Central Otago Labour Survey. PHOTO: Supplied

Horticulture is expected to increase by 15% to 2,621 hectares by 2025/26 (341 hectares of new plantings in the next four-five years). Viticulture is expected to increase by 12.9% to 2,284 over that time (261 hectares of new grape plantings). 

The increase in planted hectares does require more labour, and these workers require accommodation. 

Central Otago Labour Market Governance Group Chair Stephen Jeffrey, an ex-fruit grower. PHOTO: Supplied

Stephen Jeffrey said it was encouraging to see many orchards build new accommodation.

 “The standard of accommodation has really increased over recent years.” 

The report found the number of beds (including camping sites) provided by the horticulture sector has increased by 89% since 2017/2018. However, predictions suggest there will be a shortfall of 859 beds by 2025/2026 for the December and January labour peak.

For viticulture in 2020/21 the number of beds has increased to 218 from 181 in 2017/2018. During peak labour demand for viticulture (during March and April) 1216 beds are required which could be supplied by the horticulture industry.  

Accommodation required from past three surveys. PHOTO: Supplied

Stephen said it had been a challenging time for operators due to a labour shortage.

Border restrictions following the Covid-19 pandemic meant workers could not come in from overseas to assist, but that situation has since improved.

“Recognised Seasonal Employees (RSE) workers are allowed in at the moment but that could change tomorrow. We’re really hoping the influx from places like Vanuatu continues. “

Labour coordinator Tracey Mansfield said there had also been a drop off in workers as university students and school students returned to classes.

“We are seeing the tailoring off in summer fruit with stone fruit being picked now. Some orchards have workers from the cherry industry coming across to help.

“From mid-Feb the apple orchards in Ettrick and the Teviot Valley need large numbers of workers. The need in the wine sector in Cromwell and Alexandra will be beginning in March too.”

The report predicts increase in labour demand of 1286 horticulture workers by 2025/26 for the peak period and another 241 workers for the 2025/26 viticulture harvest.

Stephen said the key thing now was to take the report's data and recommendations and use them to guide action leading to solutions. This would take a strong concerted effort by growers, stakeholder groups and local and central government, supported by the governance group.

The 2021 reports recommendations include the governance group chair highlighting with officials the need for raising the RSE cap; the provision of staff wellbeing workshops, advocating for continued government investment in training, and working with MSD to provide bespoke training programmes. The report acknowledges the important role that the seasonal labour coordinator and the career progression manager roles play and recommends they are continued.

The survey was funded jointly by the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust, Central Otago Winegrowers Association, Seasonal Solutions Cooperative Ltd, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Primary Industries and Central Otago District Council.

Information on employment opportunities in horticulture and viticulture in Central Otago can be found on www.picknz.co.nz or at Jobs in The Central App.

The Central Otago Labour Survey can be found here.