Alliance is on the lookout for up to 400 seasonal workers for its two Southland processing plants.
The co-operative’s manufacturing manager, Willie Wiese, said with low unemployment in regions where its plants are located, it needs to recruit from outside those areas to fill a shortfall of local workers.
“Without sufficient labour, we cannot run our plants at the desired capacity nor provide our customers with the required cut. This is particularly important for our chilled lamb programme,” Wiese said.
Alliance is planning to have six of its seven lamb processing chains at Lorneville operative by next month.
Wiese said NZ’s meat processing and exporting sector has a chronic labour shortage and companies are already planning for staff shortages this season.
He said housing is workers from outside the region is an issue.
“We recognise there is a shortage of housing in Southland, however we’re absolutely committed to looking after our seasonal workers, providing appropriate accommodation, pastoral care and a programme that welcomes and introduces them to the local community.’
Wiese said some workers will be accommodated in homes at its Lorneville plant and others will be staying in the community or in accommodation leased by Alliance Group.
