42 | “We have a lot of people that return to us year after year as they enjoy what they do here. We make it a focus to make the environment fun.” Trevelyans HORTICULTURE T T Karen Phelps Career pathways in a ‘variety of jobs’ Trevelyan’s employs around 300 permanent staff with numbers swelling to around 1300 with seasonal workers. Proud to be associated with Trevelyans Pack N Cool COMMERCIAL · INDUSTRIAL · AUTOMATION · SERVICE Phone (07) 578 0050 Unit 1, 43 Koromiko St, Judea, Tauranga While the kiwifruit industry is wellknown for its seasonal work opportunities, it also offers all-year careers in a variety of fields, says Trevelyan’s marketing and communications manager Sacha Koster. “There are a variety of jobs at Trevelyan’s including scientists, accountants, mechanical and automation engineers, communications people, human resources and forklift operators to name but a few.” Trevelyan’s employs around 300 permanent staff with numbers swelling to around 1300 when seasonal workers are added into the mix. And even with seasonal work Sacha says there is sometimes the opportunity for these team members being deployed into other roles to create longer-term work opportunities if desired. Generally seasonal workers start with the beginning of the kiwifruit packing and picking season from mid February to the end of June. After this the re-pack (where the fruit is quality checked in preparation for shipping to Zespri’s requirements) season commences, so people can potentially move into these roles. Avocado picking commences in late July peaking in September and after this Sacha says traditionally the industry enters a quiet period from November to January. But as Trevelyan’s also manages orchards the opportunity exists to work in the orchards undertaking bud counting, thinning, and numerous other tasks. She says that as Trevelyan’s is a single-site facility this makes for a great workplace. “We have a lot of people that return to us year after year as they enjoy what they do here. We make it a focus to make the environment fun,” says Sacha. This means prizes, café shouts and games on the village green – Trevelyan’s large recreational area. The company even has a campsite for workers campervans or tents whilst they are employed by the business. “Everything is here on site for people including a café that runs day and evening offering both snacks and meals. It’s a lovely menu at an affordable price.” It’s part of Trevelyan’s focus on wellness and taking care of people holistically. She says. “We have a wellness committee on site and offer things like free and subsidised food, games, newsletters, etc.” Trevelyan’s has WorkWell Gold Standard Accreditation. This is awarded to a business, when they have demonstrated having all the successful components of a health and wellbeing programme, and these have become embedded in the workplace. “This demonstrates to our staff, that their wellbeing is valued, and has become a core part of our business,” explains Sacha. Last year Trevelyan’s packed 15.2 million trays of kiwifruit and approximately one million trays of avocados, representing around 10% of the respective industries. The site has five packhouses – four for export and one for the local market – along with 43 coolstores including controlled atmosphere stores, with more in the planning cycle. Sacha says in peak season securing the right workers is very competitive with several post-harvest facilities in the region. Trevelyan’s seeks to utilise the skills of locals, RSE workers and backpackers. Sacha says the work appeals to a variety of locals wanting temporary work, such as stay at home mums and retirees who might want to bolster their income but not work full time. With day and evening shifts available, people can choose times that suit their lifestyle. “Securing staff all comes down to reputation. Trevelyan’s has been in the industry for around 40 years and as a family owned business, we link family values, to all our operations. That makes us an attractive place to work for many people. We are respectful and considerate to those who work with us – be that staff, growers or our suppliers – and we endeavour to be open and honest throughout. The fact is people are our most valuable asset and integral to our success. “Permanent positions are advertised on the Trevelyan’s website and through the usual channels. Seasonal opportunities typically start being advertised on our website in December.”
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