Staff encouraged to study

Growing horticultural intelligence...McIntosh Orchard manager Aaron Waterman, of Alexandra, ...
Growing horticultural intelligence...McIntosh Orchard manager Aaron Waterman, of Alexandra, (centre) received his certificate for completing and passing the Level Four National Certification for Horticulture (Fruit Production), from Primary ITO tutor...

Growing intelligence is a vital part of expanding the fruit export market, McIntosh Orchard owner Wayne McIntosh, of Earnscleugh, says.

Mr McIntosh encourages his staff to study for horticulture qualifications through Primary ITO, and last week his manager, Aaron Waterman, was presented with a certificate recognising his achievement at completing and passing the Level Four National Certification for Horticulture (Fruit Production).

Mr McIntosh said one of the Government's objectives was to double fruit exports and one of the key factors behind that was to have more qualified people working in the industry.

''We need to grow the intelligence,'' Mr McIntosh said.

''Everything outside [in the orchard] is as important as [what goes on] in the office with the paperwork.''

Mr Waterman was one of about six studying for the level four qualification in Central Otago while on the job, as opposed to a classroom-based environment run by the Otago Polytechnic.

His tutor, Luke Sargeant, said while others would take up to four years to complete the qualification, Mr Waterman did it in one year as he already had considerable experience within the industry.

''He put a lot of time into it outside work and was really keen, '' Mr Sargeant said.

Mr Waterman moved from Te Puke to Central Otago about four years ago after working in one of the biggest kiwifruit plantations in the southern hemisphere.

''I started in kiwifruit and then changed my CV to Central Otago stone fruit,'' Mr Waterman said.

After working at other Central Otago orchards he was employed by Mr McIntosh about a year ago.

He said Mr McIntosh encouraged him and other staff to study through Primary ITO.

''I would do about an hour, to an hour and a-half at night after work.

''During the day I was doing my practical and then go home and put it on paper.''

While completing the certificate he became interested in innovation in orchards.

He is involved in several trials being run at the orchard, from plant growth to spraying.

''That is a key thing, looking to do things better.''

He and Mr McIntosh looked at a more efficient way of mowing the orchard grass, which led to the owner buying a new flat-mounted mower and a higher horsepower tractor, which cut the mowing time from three days to one day.

''That means less time on the job and less wear and tear on the machinery. I am very fortunate that Wayne and I are on the same wavelength. He is very supportive.''

Mr Waterman said he also appreciated the support he received from Mr Sargeant.

He intends to complete more papers to earn his diploma and is also keen to learn more about bees and their role within the orchard.

Photo by Yvonne O'Hara 

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