Any /k need a job?

discretesound — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 06:14:37 +0800

$60 an hour to pick fruit: kiwifruit industry desperate for workers

High pay rates of up to $60 per hour and incentives such as cash bonuses, prizes and free transport, accommodation and food are being offered to lure pickers to the kiwifruit industry, which is experiencing its “toughest-ever season” due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Packhouse bosses and office workers are currently rolling up their sleeves, hitting the shop floor and getting into the yards to “get the job done”.

The kiwifruit industry requires 24,000 people to pick and pack over a typical harvest, but is drastically short of workers this season due to the lack of international workers, such as backpackers or workers from overseas who normally travel to New Zealand for seasonal work.

Peter Cederman employs RSE workers at his Brooklyn orchard in the Tasman district and says his business couldn't survive without them. (Video first published October 11, 2020)

There is currently a shortage of 6,500 backpackers due to border closures. Added to that is both a shortage of seasonal workers from overseas, and New Zealand workers due to the Omicron wave.

Orchard manager David Kakkar, 32, has been in the industry for 15 years, having started out as a kiwifruit picker himself.

He now hires people to work on a contract basis to pick kiwifruit in orchards around the Tauranga area, mainly in Te Puke. Pay rates currently offered to workers are the highest he has ever seen in the industry.

“People are not coming into the country because of the Covid-19 rules,” says Kakkar. “It is what it is; I don’t criticise the government for making the rules - it’s the pandemic that has affected us.

“It’s difficult to find good pickers, even at high rates, and it is costly to the growers.”

This season, an experienced picker can make over $60 an hour or $500-600 a day, he says. Even a beginner who has never done the work before can make $30-$40 an hour.

“Contract pickers get paid by the bin,” says Kakkar. “The average price of a bin is $31 for the biggest size, which is 18 bushels. Bigger orchards may offer $33 per bin. If you are a good picker, you can easily pick two bins an hour. If you are new, a bin an hour is very do-able.”

Despite these lucrative rates, Kakkar says it is still hard to find workers. It’s hard work, and weather dependent.

“If it’s good weather you can choose to work all week and earn very good money. But if it rains, then you can’t go outside to pick.

“Some people come and try it, but after a few days they might give up as it’s hard on the back and shoulders, and you will feel it in your muscles after a few days. If you stick at it, it gets easier. I’ve seen people in their 60s and even in their 70s who do it every year.

“There are locals who do it, and the rates have seen people travel from other parts of New Zealand, but we really do miss those travellers.”

Amrit Sharma, who manages orchards in Pyes Pā, Te Puna and Katikati, is also offering up to $62 an hour, or $31 per bin.

“Yes, if you are experienced, even just very fit and not afraid of hard work, you can make good money,” says Sharma. “It’s very physical work.”

Sharma also finds that high pay alone is not sufficient to attract enough people, and offers extra incentives such as free transportation and wash facilities, and can even arrange accommodation.

“Everyone is in competition for good pickers.”

The high rates are catching the eye of New Zealanders from across the country – many of whom have never considered picking fruit before.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/bay-of-plenty/30055...ate-for-workers

Malaysian returning from abroad

discretesound — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 07:26:48 +0800

Can someone point me to the right direction in finding guidelines for Malaysian who are returning to Malaysia ( specifically from NZ).

I’ve been finding conflicting information when searching online…

Also, is there any restrictions to leave the country?

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discretesound — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 07:10:15 +0800

Power seats. Worthwhile option?

discretesound — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 11:42:33 +0800

Hi guys, I'm in the hunt for a new car and one of the option im still undecided on is the power seats.

It's a 2000$ extra compared to the manual adjusted seats so im just wondering is it a worthwhile option or just a gimmick?

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