Despite the current negative impacts of Psa-V, the kiwifruit industry has a bright future and needs to retain its skilled workers believes Marty Robinson, the newly appointed industry employment co-ordinator.
`"We will get through these tough times and the industry could come back stronger with increased production so we need tokeep our skilled staff,'' said Mr Robinson who has been appointed by New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc to link those seeking work with employers.
NZKGI has made the appointment an effort to retain skilled kiwifruit industry workers in the region as the impact of the vine-killing disease Psa begins to spread.
The role, which is funded by the Ministry of Social Development, will focus on meeting the skill and labour needs of employers in the kiwifruit industry by matching those who have lost their jobs as a result of Psa to other employment opportunities in the kiwifruit industry.
NZKGI CEO Mike Chapman said the new role was an essential one and was created in an effort to proactively manage the impact of Psa on employment.
"The sad reality of Psa is people will lose their jobs. We want to do all we can to keep these skilled New Zealand workers in the Bay of Plenty as their experience is a key part of the success of the industry.
"Creating this role is a way of using industry networks to know where workers have been made redundant and where other employment opportunities in the industry exist," Mr Chapman.
The newly appointed employment co-ordinator, Marty Robinson, said a key emphasis for him was on providing quality employment opportunities to improve sustainable employment outcomes for people and support skill retention in the kiwifruit industry.
Mr Robinson has over 18 years of experience in the kiwifruit industry as an orchardist, orchard manager and in human resources roles.
"I see my role as providing an employment connection service within the industry. I know there are some very skilled and experienced people who have lost their jobs as a result of Psa.
"We don't want to lose these people to the industry or even the region. By talking to employers and knowing where vacancies exist, and what particular skills are needed, we can match people to employment opportunities," Mr Robinson said.
For employees and employers wanting to know more about the service please contact Marty Robinson, Kiwifruit Employment Coordinator 07 574 7139.
