Website tackles dairy farm employment issues

The new online tool for dairy farmers has been two years in the making. Photo / NZH

A new website is being launched to help dairy farmers improve their knowledge of the legal requirements around employing staff.

DairyNZ gave farmers a preview of the PeopleSmart website at its Farmers' Forum at Mystery Creek yesterday.

The online tool, two years in the making, provides dairy farmers with answers to people management issues, said DairyNZ project leader-people Sarah Watson.

"We've worked closely with farmers in the development of PeopleSmart and they've told us they want quick solutions and useful tools they can implement to solve issues with staff and contractors on-farm," she said.

The tool offers farmers a question and answer service, and case studies showing how to deal with different scenarios.

It also helps employers be confident they are meeting legislative requirements, Watson said.

"PeopleSmart clearly outlines what farmers' legal responsibilities are in relation to employment."

Watson said attracting and retaining top employees has been a key industry focus in recent years.

The website goes live on May 31 and will free to use for all levy-paying dairy farmers and their staff.

- HERALD ONLINE