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Decision hailed but for housing

Jennifer Eder and Morgane Solignac

Grape growers and orchardists are thrilled that another 3000 seasonal workers can be hired from overseas but a housing provider warns finding beds will not be easy.

The Government has increased the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme cap to a maximum of 19,000 workers, following negotiations with employers and unions, in an announcement on Tuesday.

The change comes amonth after investigations found some employers were housing workers in freezing garages and overcrowded motel rooms. Seasonal Labour Accommodation Provider coowner Trevor Pearce, who operates a purpose-built 216-bed RSE complex in Blenheim, said he knew there was enormous demand for labour in Marlborough’s vineyards but also an acute shortage of beds for RSE workers.

For much of the year he was fielding inquiries about whether he could house more workers, and he normally had to say no as the complex ran at capacity during the harvesting and pruning seasons.

‘‘From vintage through to October, there’s just not a spare bed,’’ Pearce said. ‘‘We’re aware from the inquiries we get, which is pretty constant now, of the pressure on the contractors and growers who need the extra labour to ensure they can harvest properly.’’

Blenheim had its own housing shortage in the residential market, and buying land zoned for development was a challenge for developers. However, RSE contractors had to show they had adequate housing for each worker in order to have their visa granted, he said.

‘‘Over the last three years, the industry has seen a sea change towards purpose-built housing being considered the minimum standard.

‘‘I think we’ll see more developments specific to the RSE sector, and that’s a good thing. It’s all positive for Blenheim, you’ve got to be thankful you’ve got a bountiful area of production in vineyards. But there’s no point in having it if you don’t have the labour.’’

Pearce said councils had a role to play in making it easier to build RSE housing. The Marlborough District Council was ‘‘not particularly helpful’’ with the two-year consent process for the Blenheim complex and the development contribution levies he paid for it were five times what he paid to the Hastings District Council.

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2022-09-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-09-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282252374406757

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