58 | Hawke’s Bay: Affco Wairoa T T Karen Phelps Reaping rewards of strong team culture Affco Wairoa’s commitment to both its workforce and the community was put to the test in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT With workplace culture and employee wellbeing increasingly recognised as crucial factors in business success, Affco Wairoa has shown how prioritising these aspects can lead to tangible improvements. Recent annual surveys undertaken by the company have revealed a significant upswing in key areas of the business, attributing this positive trend to the company’s renewed focus on health and wellbeing initiatives. “Our annual surveys give specific scores on different aspects of the business. Worker engagement, personal growth and reward and recognition have all improved,” says Affco Wairoa regional manager Dean Burgess. He says that while historically, health and safety has focused on preventing injuries, a holistic view of employee welfare has been the driving force behind a series of innovative programmes and initiatives implemented at the Wairoa plant. There has been the introduction of wananga teaching conducted at a local marae in conjunction with WorkSafe. The programme is based on Te Whare Tapa Whā, the four dimensions of Māori wellbeing: taha tinana (physical health), taha wairua (spiritual health), taha whānau (family health), and taha hinengaro (mental health). “We’ve found it’s been really good to let people know we are conscious and aware of all of those things that affect people’s lives,” says Dean. “It’s about recognising this and supporting people.” Affco Wairoa has also established an Employee Assistance Programme with partnerships with various community services, including Mates4Life, Women’s Refuge, and Enabled Wairoa, to provide additional support for employees facing personal challenges. These newer initiatives complement longstanding support measures, such as providing staff with daily fruit and cereal and transportation to work via company minivans. “The uptake has been very good,” Dean says, highlighting the growing awareness and acceptance of mental health support in the workplace. To foster a sense of community and promote physical wellbeing, Affco has instigated an annual sports day and touch tournament. “It’s about bringing staff together and encouraging health and wellbeing, being active, and promoting the team dynamic with all different departments having a bit of fun.” Other initiatives include literacy, including financial literacy, training programmes, recognising that literacy and financial stress can significantly impact overall wellbeing and job performance. Affco Wairoa’s commitment to both its workforce and the community was put to the test in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. The company faced significant challenges with livestock supply, roading, and access to the factory. However, it turned adversity into an opportunity to strengthen community bonds. “We set up as a distribution hub supplying water and meat and assisted with distribution of essential supplies,” says Dean. “We even had Black Hawk helicopters landing on the site as we had big sealed open areas.” This community-focused approach is not new for Affco Wairoa. As a mainstay of the community since 1916, the plant has long recognised its role in supporting local initiatives. The company regularly sponsors local groups, schools, and clubs, including providing uniforms and barbecues for the Wairoa High School Ross Shield sports tournament and donating to the local golf course. Dean says Affco Wairoa is at the completion of a significant programme of investment in new infrastructure and technology to make the workspace safer and more efficient. A new biomass boiler has replaced the coal-fired system, reducing the plant’s carbon footprint. A state-of-the-art refrigeration plant, complete with high-temperature heat pumps and advanced safety technology, has also been installed. Environmental considerations are also at the forefront, with the creation of a wetland area, featuring native plantings and filtering systems to improve stormwater quality before it enters the river. As the one of largest plant in Affco’s network, processing 700000 lamb carcasses and 60000 beef carcasses annually, the Wairoa facility plays a crucial role in the company’s operations. With exports to over 74 countries and a client list that includes global giants like McDonald’s and Costco, the plant’s success is vital not just to the local community but also to New Zealand’s export economy as a whole. “As a major employer in the area, we recognise the significant value we bring to the local community. Our focus on health and wellbeing is not just about improving our business metric – it’s about creating a positive impact on the lives of our employees and the wider Wairoa community.” Proudly supporting AFFCOWairoa 12Waitane Place, Napier 027 293 2678 www.tekam.co.nz ken@tekam.co.nz • Bespoke design build projects for food, Bio-tech, and By-products industries. • Stainless steel fabrication. • Maintenance engineering. • Specialist structural, transport and pressure vessel certi ied welding. , , . . . , . Tekamare amulti-facet engineering company specialising in: :
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