56 | PRODUCTION Silver Fern Farms - Takapau Jobs galore in Central Hawkes Bay T Karen Phelps Silver Fern Farms is a major employer in the Central Hawkes Bay responsible for around 25% of jobs in the immediate region paying approximately $1m in wages weekly, says Silver Fern Farms Takapau site manager Alistair Martin. The team of roughly 800 staff, rising to 900 in peak season, hails from Southern Hawkes Bay and Woodsville up to Napier and Hastings. In order to retain and attract the best employees possible in a tight labour market Silver Fern Farms Takapau has made some radical changes to how it operates, says Alistair. “We used to run a day and a night shift in peak season scaling down to a day shift when demand is less. We now run both shifts year round to continue our engagement with staff and provide people with more stable work opportunities and security,” he says. Silver Fern Farms offers employees good opportunities for training so they can progress to earn even better wages. Alistair points out the company already pays a starting wage far in excess of the minimum wage to reflect its firm focus on its people. Flexibility to those who need it, such as parents who might need to be available to care for their children outside school hours, has seen Silver Fern Farms offer employment hours to suit and job sharing opportunities. Other benefits include an on-site physio, nurse and counselling service. Staff also benefit from discounted insurance options and meat sales. And if someone “We used to run a day and a night shift in peak season scaling down to a day shift when demand is less. We now run both shifts year round....” T to page 58 recruits one of their friends or family to join the team Silver Fern Farms pays them a $500 referral fee. It’s just another way they can attract the very best to the business, says Alistair. It’s no surprise then the company has great success in retaining its staff with some having worked for the company for 40 years and many clocking up over 20 and 30 years. Silver Fern Farms considers itself an integral and important part of the community, says Alistair. Don’t be surprised to see the company’s logo in sports grounds, clubs and other events. Why BioRich? BioRich is Hawke’s Bay’s food waste diversion specialists. We divert food waste from landfill and make rich compost that enriches the soils of the Heretaunga Plains. Waste streams include animal, vegetable and fruit waste. BioRich are also specialists in greenwaste bark and sawdust reuse. Logistics aren't a barrier, often transport into the region, aligned with our tip fees to promote diversion, can result in a sustainable outcome financially and environmentally for our customers. Contact us For enquires email info@biorich.co.nz or call Nigel 027 246 7424
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=