The vintage army: Retirees take over Hawke's Bay grape picking as labour shortage hits

Di Taylor, Tida Nichols and John Lightfoot picking Coleraine vineyard Te Mata Estate, Havelock North. Photo / Warren Buckland

One of Te Mata Estate's most helpful assets might just be its vintage pickers, particularly in a season characterised by massive labour shortages.

Te Mata's retired picking army was out in full force on Monday with their last pick of the season on the Coleraine vineyard in Havelock North.

Viticulturist Brenton O'Riley said they are loyal workers that show up every day.

"The biggest reason it works is the quality of the job they do, they're not picking huge tonnages, and we're not putting them under any huge pressure," he said.

"They do an excellent job, a season like this year they've taken their time, flicking out anything that doesn't meet the grade."

Te Mata Estate's Coleraine vineyard, Havelock North. Photo / Warren Buckland

O'Riley said when the team is out working along the vines it's like having a sorting table out in the winery.

"In a season like this, where a lot of wineries are actually struggling, we've had absolutely no issues whatsoever," he said.

A total of 60 to 70 pensioners spend 20 days in a six-week period picking in the vineyards, working hard and carefully.

The viticulturist added that the retired workforce almost sees being part of the group as an exclusive club – which even has a waiting list.

Te Mata Estate sales and marketing manager Sally Duncan said they are a dedicated army that know what they're doing, picking to a high standard.

"We feel it's really important to have the same pickers – they're part of the Te Mata family," she said.

Duncan said they always tend to pick the Coleraine section last.

More than 60 retirees picking grapes at Coleraine vineyard Te Mata Estate, Havelock North. Photo / Warren Buckland

"This has been a really early season and we're finished before the end of March which is incredible," she said.

Retiree Neil McLean has been picking for 11 seasons and said he does it because of the comraderie.

"We're disciplined, when we're asked to do, we do and we enjoy it," he said.

Tida Nichols thought she would only pick for a season - that was nine seasons ago.

"It's a bit of money and fun with some friends," she said.

Nichols said with the worker shortage it is important to be out in the field doing their bit.

"Maybe we should be helping to pick the apples as well," she added.

After Easter Te Mata Estate will host its vintage party (the great picker's ball) to thank the workers for their help in what Duncan said has been an incredible season for the vintage.

"It's great that we've got this community that's willing to come out and help and especially an experienced one – they pick the best grapes," she said.