Work available as packhouse gets back up and running

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

New Zealand produce company Seeka has announced its Gisborne packhouse has resumed operations.

While the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle on countless orchards have been devastating, many still had fruit that needed to be processed, Seeka chief executive Michael Franks said.

“The financial implications Cyclone Gabrielle has caused for local growers is vast. We want to support them as much as possible to minimise further losses, so we have worked hard to get our services back up and running to process their fruit”.

“We understood how vital a quick return to work was for our local employees. The clean-up could take quite some time but food still needs to be put on the table, so we wanted to be able to support our team of employees by continuing to offer employment during this time.

“This also helps growers who will rely on the cash flow of the crop. Locally packed fruit will help the local region get back on its feet.”

Seeka was grateful to LeaderBrand, which has helped with making water available and working on-site, allowing the packhouse to return to business.

With many in the region unable to return to their usual workplaces, Seeka's packhouse on Lytton Road offered alternative employment opportunities to locals, Mr Franks said,

“We expect there are many locals looking for short-term work while they wait for their current workplaces to get back up and running.

“Seeka has a vast array of employment opportunities available within our packhouse and welcomes applications via our employment office at 265 Lytton Road.”