Editorial: Where are local workers?

There are 300 workers being imported into a region that has 7910 people claiming job seeker benefits. Photo / Andrew Bonallack

"Some Northlanders, it seems, are too lazy to do the work."

There are 300 workers being imported into a region that has 7910 people claiming job seeker benefits.

There seem to be many things wrong with that picture.

Why is it that more local unemployed people are not taking up the work opportunities? Is it a skill issue? If there is demand for labour, and willing workers, then somewhere there must be training provided in Northland.

Is it a pay issue - do Northland's job seekers consider fruit picking to be below them?

Work and Income New Zealand's website suggests that fruit pickers can earn about $400 for 30 hours' work. That must be "in the hand" (otherwise that's below minimum wage of $14.75). Job Seeker benefits go up to $210 net a week.

Local growers love the temporary workers - they come in under the Government's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) programme, which allows companies to recruit non-New Zealand labourers. Some say it has turned the horticulture industry around, allowing businesses to realise their full earning potential. The workers are efficient, do the job and leave.

The local industry says it does employ some Northlanders, but the imported labour is essential to its success.

There is a suggestion that travel and accommodation costs mean seasonal work is not worth doing for locals. For some people this may be the case, but it seems there is a large labour force that is unready, unwilling or unable to work in the horticultural industry.

Some Northlanders, it seems, are too lazy to do the work. Add in the well known "coals to Newcastle" idiom and we're only a punchline away from an unfunny joke.