The Oamaru meat processing works now has 88 Pasifika workers, all of whom have come to New Zealand on Pacific Island visa schemes.
It was a big undertaking for the migrants, the company and supporters — but it was worth it, those involved said.
"For the first time in several years, we can start the season with enough staff. It’s wonderful," Oamaru Meats payroll and production support officer Vanessa Pearce said.
The much needed workers have come to Oamaru under the 2022-2023 Pacific Quotas Programme, which oversees the Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category visa schemes.
Each year, it enables New Zealand employers to hire up to 2950 people living in the Pacific Islands for jobs in New Zealand.
Those employed under the programme are given residence visas.
Oamaru Meats saw the opportunity to bring Pacific Island workers to New Zealand as a way to tackle the nationwide worker shortage.
Finding willing workers who were available, had the necessary job skills and were willing to relocate to Oamaru was difficult within New Zealand.
Miss Pearce said this was the first year the company used the visa scheme.
"It’s a big job," Miss Pearce said.
"The biggest thing for us was, we couldn’t find employees and they want to work."
Oamaru Meats now has close to 300 staff, including the 88 visa workers who all started during the past year.
The influx of Pacific people could bring complex social needs, Oamaru Pacific Island Community Group (OPICG) general manager Hana Halalele said.
She said a key question for OPICG members has been, "How can we help support the workers and our local employers as well?".
The workers need to integrate in their new community, upskill and build capabilities and awareness.
"Integration is a big part of it," Mrs Hanalele said.
Initially, most of the Pacific Island workers were housed with one another.
Oamaru Meats has since helped them to move out together, renting houses and furnishing them when their families join them and also transporting staff.
Other challenges the workers faced were getting Inland Revenue numbers and opening bank accounts.
Dealing with this can be a bit scary for them," Miss Pearce said.
"Oamaru Pacific community was very helpful with contacting resources for us and the introduction days they held."
The introduction events give the workers insight into the community and what it has to offer and the pastoral care available.
"The churches have been great too," Miss Pearce said.
Despite the challenges, Mrs Halalele said there were many benefits for Pacific Island workers, their employers and the community.
"People need to fill the labour shortage," Mrs Halalele said.
"At Oamaru Meats they work closely with their Pacific cultural liaison, Epi Longavatu, to help build a stronger partnership in the community and help support the employer."
The company also works with OPICG, Stronger Waitaki and their community connectors.
"It’s a lot of work and collaborative effort, but it’s worth it," Miss Pearce said.
— Jules Chin, Cadet reporter
