Carterton

George Shiers

The nationwide labour shortage is causing headaches for businesses across all industries — and a new trial is underway in Wairarapa to help plug the gap.

The Employers and Manufacturers Association revealed in its survey results, released on July 12, that the current labour shortage was having a tough eff ect on business across New Zealand.

Of the businesses that responded to the survey, 100 per cent of employers said they were struggling to fi ll vacancies, with almost 40 per cent advertising for more than six months.

The survey received responses from businesses in more than 50 sectors and industries, including manufacturing, transport, and health.

JNL’s Wairarapa mill, based at Waignawa, was expecting to begin a trial to bring in more staff on unconventional part-time contracts.

The project involved JNL partnering with the Ministry of Social Development [MSD].

New part-time contracts aimed at attracting those with school-aged children are being trialled at the JNL mill. PHOTO/MARY ARGUE

JNL Wairarapa general manager Karl Burling PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Wairarapa mill general manager Karl Burling said the project hoped to attract workers who wanted to work but could not fi t in with traditional working schedules.

“Speaking with MSD, they believe there are a number of people who want to work but are unable,” Burling said.

“The biggest challenge is for workers with children – with school holidays and working between school hours.

“The trial would allow the company to hire people from 9am to 3pm and would provide school holidays off .”

Burling said drawing up the contracts had been challenging but was glad to see the trial going ahead.

“We’ve had a very positive response from staff and from the community.

“Unless you think diff erently about employment, nothing is going to change. People who want to work but can’t now have an option.”

Burling said depending on its success in Wairarapa, the initiative could be rolled out nationwide.

Shannon Meynell, manager for client service delivery at MSD, said the fl exible structure would allow people to transition into employment.

“Our Wairarapa Work and Income team met with JNL to discuss how we could work together to support our clients who cannot work standard hours, primarily with a focus on sole parents.

“JNL were very keen to come on board with this initiative. They created 9am to 3pm shifts with the ability for people to take time off for school holidays to support our clients into employment.

“We’re really excited that JNL has responded with fl exibility to enable employment.”

Meynell said MSD was hoping to work with other businesses in the region to widen the scope of the trial.

“We hope other employers see what JNL is doing and how well it is working — and encourage them to work with us in fi nding staff and off ering similar work arrangements.”

Creative Kitchens Wairarapa

Design & Manufacture of Kitchen and Bathroom Joinery The Square, Carterton Phone 06 379 8030

www.creativekitchenswairarapa.co.nz

Liz coming home to Roseneath

Working at Roseneath Lifecare & Village was “a homecoming” for long-time Wairarapa local Liz Mather.

Liz, who was born “just up the road” from the Carterton retirement community, took over as Roseneath’s manager in May.

“From the fi rst day I entered the front door, it felt like home,” she said.

Liz’s family association with Wairarapa goes back to her great-greatgrandfather, Henry Burling, who was the fi rst person to enter the region by foot from Wellington.

Her early years were spent on a farm at the Taratahi Training Centre in rural Carterton, where her father worked, and then on a farm east of Eketahuna.

Prior to Liz’s role at Roseneath, she worked as a business operations manager in the public sector and managed several other retirement facilities.

She said she particularly enjoys the “very special” homely and friendly atmosphere at Roseneath and working alongside a team of “very experienced staff , who truly care for the residents’ wellbeing”.

“I love the diff erence I can make to a residents’ life: listening to their stories, seeing the pleasure they get in joining in with recreational activities, and the special care they receive from our staff .”

New Roseneath Lifecare & Village manager Liz Mather, with one of the residents. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Wairarapa Word presents

Mary Holm

Stories from a Financial Agony Aunt THURSDAY 4th AUGUST 10am Carterton Events Centre, Holloway Street Doors open 9.45am. Please wear a mask. Entry by Koha

Personal nance author Mary Holm talks about how to make your money work in the real world of family complications, relationship issues, house price uctuations, being braver in retirement, making the most of KiwiSaver, helping your children.... Come armed with questions. Mary Holm, ONZM, has written seven books, including Rich Enough? A laid-back guide for every Kiwi, and her latest, A Richer You – how to make the most of your money. Both topped the NZ bestseller list.

Grow your own Mushrooms

Only $15

bucket