South Westland tourism businesses can see the light at the end of the Covid tunnel but are now faced with staff recruitment problems and other operators poaching experienced staff.
Haast had been an easy target for staff poaching, Nick Kummer, of the Hard Antler Bar, said.
"It’s gone crazy. It’s happening all the time.
"People from Queenstown coming here after our staff, it’s just disgusting.
"The odd local is also guilty but the culprits are mainly from Queenstown.
"They come here and expect a good time then they turn around and try to take our workers," Mr Kummer said.
Disloyal staff have also caused issues.
"We’ve given people residency and as soon as they’ve got it they’ve left. There just doesn’t seem to be any morals any more.
"My immigration lawyer told me that Queenstown can’t retain staff because as soon as workers get their residency they’re off.
"They’re sick of being overworked and underpaid and they leave."
A Franz Josef accommodation provider said while she was aware of the poaching problem, the grapevine worked well and businesses called each other warning when "poachers" were about.
The Landing Bar and Restaurant general manager Anshul Dogra said he had not experienced the issue, despite employing 22 full-time, part-time and casual staff.
"We are also looking at reopening Full of Beans [cafe] next month, so we are looking for more staff.
"Obviously it is hard at the moment, but with the new immigration laws it is getting even harder and expensive.
"You have to pay Job Check $610 to ensure they are entitled to work, so if you have three different positions the cost will be three times that much."
Pre-Covid, there was plenty of migrant labour and travelling backpackers seeking short-term work, which was perfect for the busy summer seasons.
Now, workers recruited from overseas were harder and more expensive to obtain with the introduction of Job Check in July.
Positions offered must be a minimum of 30 hours a week, and paying a minimum of $27.60 an hour.
Also, with an increase in the cost of travel, backpackers were expected to be scarce this season.
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours owner Dale Burrows said people were tired and exhausted.
The poaching of staff from operators outside the region resulted in closures and frustration about not being able to service a growing demand.
"People need to invest in mental health and ensure they recharge their batteries before the summer season returns." — Greymouth Star
By Meg Fulford
