Harvest draws workers from around the world

Yi-chen Wang from Taiwan and Jinyan Liang from China with Trevelyan's camp manager Sandy Lynn.

Over 40 nationalities of people have made up Trevelyan's seasonal workforce for this year's harvest.

Human resources manager Jodi Johnstone said they play a vital component in filling roles with many travelling on work visas, or backpackers who wanted to earn extra cash for their holiday.

About 1200 workers were needed at the peak of the season and social media had become the best way to attract staff, she said.

"Social media and Facebook is really huge for us. We have about 3500 Facebook followers and we use it to chase returning staff."

The company did hardly any advertising and relied on internet reach, word of mouth and its reputation, she said.

Milos Vitamvas and Veronica Dvorakova arrived in New Zealand about a year ago to work in the vineyards in Hawkes Bay and then picked cherries and nectarines in Alexandra.

The couple had been at Trevelyan's for seven weeks as load out checkers and liked the roles.

"We will stay for the season,"said Ms Dvorakova.

Yi-chen Wang found her job on the internet through a backpackers forum.

The 27-year-old Ministry for Copyright assistant had been at Trevelyan's for two months and would return to her homeland Taiwan in June.

"I just wanted to find a Kiwi job ... I am a grader and it's been great, there are nice people here and the environment is stunning."

Jinyan Liang was on holiday from China. The 28-year-old enjoys working at Trevelyan's and staying in a house at the camping ground.

"New Zealand is a beautiful country."