Covid career change for pilot

Tourism might seem a long way from horticulture and not something that WaiWest Pipfruit Block Supervisor and covid career changer Blair Campbell considered over his many years of ski instructing and flying tourists into iconic Queenstown locations.

“Two weeks into lockdown, I saw this job advertised and applied,” says Blair, who hasn’t looked back.

With the support of his employers WaiWest Horticulture Ltd and manager Adrian Lawrence, he has gone from strength to strength coordinating the team’s tasks and keeping ahead of the game.

“I realised over lockdown and beyond, this was an industry with good secure jobs where staff can get trained while they work. I enjoy the variety of tasks and working in a team environment. It’s an industry where you keep learning,” says Blair.

“I had been unaware of how big and important the horticulture industry is for Nelson/ Tasman and New Zealand. When you are involved (in growing) you realise the complexity and range of jobs.”

Situational awareness as a pilot and the essential obligation to avoid complacency, are skills he is bringing over to his new role, along with years of working with people.

Blair attended one of two Horticulture Supervisory courses run recently and sponsored by HortNZ, NZAPI and Primary ITO.

Twenty-seven mainly new Nelson/Tasman supervisors attended and workshopped key supervisory behaviours and understanding, in a relaxed interactive environment.

Anyone interested in Horticulture as a career can contact Robyn Patterson, Hort Careers Progression Manager Nelson/ Tasman hortnzcareersnelson@outlook.co.nz