Editorial: Orchards offer work for jobless

Tracey Chatterton.

There's a new campaign in town with a catchy name - Harvest Your Future.

The project aims to attract the attention of the unemployed in Hawke's Bay and encourage them to apply for seasonal work.

In the 2013 Census, 7 per cent of the region's population said they were unemployed.

There has been a lot of growth in the region since then and the Government predicts there will be a 1.1 per cent increase in employment in Hawke's Bay in the next three years. But there are still too many people relying on the benefit.

Figures revealed in Hawke's Bay Today at the weekend stated that the region has a welfare liability of $2.9 billion. That is some burden.

As National MP Craig Foss said, Government resources must be focused on getting people into work.

This Harvest Your Future campaign, an initiative by Pipfruit is a good start.

It is forecast that the region will need an extra 300 orchard workers by 2020. We are widely known as the fruitbowl of New Zealand and produce more than half the country's apples - we need workers to keep the industry buoyant. Each year, recognised seasonal employer (RSE) workers provide a much-needed labour boost but it would be great to see more of the region's people working in our orchards.

I admire the eight young people who have come forward to share their story as part of the campaign, as it's not always easy to put yourself out there.

These people, such as Ryan May, have progressed from casual work to having a full-time career in the industry.

Mr May is now a senior leading hand with Turners & Growers, looking after a team of 20. His story is inspiring - and I hope it inspires others to sign up for orchard work. Nothing comes to those who don't try.