12 September 2018
NZSCA Roadshow and Tahi Ngātahi meetings
We enjoyed discussing important issues for our industry and getting your feedback at our North Island roadshow meetings last week. We now look forward to taking the roadshow to the South Island next week and introducing you to Tahi Ngātahi.
You don’t have to be a member to come to these meetings. All business partners i.e. wives, partners, administration and wages support staff are very welcome to attend and we encourage all to check out the website www.tahingatahi.co.nz before the meeting.
Farmers will join us for the second part of the meeting to introduce Tahi Ngātahi. Please forward this invitation to your farmers, shed staff and others involved in your business and invite them along.
The meeting format is:
- we’ll hold our industry meeting for members
- then farmers and your shed staff are invited to join us at the refreshment break
- and for the session on Tahi Ngātahi (see table below).
Come and learn about Tahi Ngātahi, the industry-driven online programme we’ve developed in partnership with farmers and government (WorkSafe and ACC) to prevent injuries in the wool growing and harvesting industry. The programme aims to ensure everyone is using best practice to prevent injuries in the workplace and the part everyone plays in achieving this.
Bring your own device to explore Tahi Ngātahi website and how it can benefit your business.To assist with catering please RSVP to Bronwyn at contactus@tahingatahi.co.nz with numbers and the meeting you can attend. See more about Tahi Ngātahi on facebook.
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September
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Centre
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Venue
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NZSCA Meeting
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Refreshments
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Tahi Ngatahi
introduction
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19
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Gore
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Heartland Hotel, 100 Waimea Street, Gore
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1-3pm
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3 – 3.30pm
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3.30 – 5pm
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20
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Geraldine
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Stonebridge, 842 Winchester-Geraldine Highway
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1-3pm
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3 – 3.30pm
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3.30 – 5pm
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21
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Cheviot
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Cheviot Trust Hotel, SH1
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1-3pm
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3 – 3.30pm
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3.30 – 5pm
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Media Release May 31, 2018
The New Zealand Shearers Contractors Association (NZSCA) has responded to the significant challenges of recruiting and retaining skilled labour in the wool harvesting industry by recommending a landmark improvement in wages and entitlements for the coming year.
This recommendation, ratified at the Association’s recent Annual General Meeting, is the result of several months of consultation with members and non-members and has been launched in conjunction with a new strategic plan outlining the goals of the NZSCA over the next three years. The plan focuses on improving the profile of the Association, lifting recruitment and retention rates, improving training opportunities and leading new standards in health and safety in the industry.
Mark Barrowcliffe, incoming President of the NZSCA, was extremely pleased with the recommendation which would see workers’ pay and entitlements improve by up to 25%. “We are proud to be leading initiatives to address the most serious challenges in our industry and I’m particularly pleased for the staff of our members. This is the first step in responding to the recruitment and retention challenges but we’re also developing medium and long term plans to ensure this is sustainable.”
Mr Barrowcliffe also acknowledged that addressing the pay gap with Australia was critical in keeping more New Zealanders in the industry. “This decision provides workers the opportunity to see real career opportunities and create meaningful opportunities for themselves and their families. They do not need to go to Australia now to achieve this.” Mr Barrowcliffe said. Anecdotally, it is thought approximately 50% of the sheep in Australia are shorn by New Zealand shearers.
The NZSCA Executive Committee was now working hard to communicate the details of the recommended terms to shearing contractors, farmers and the staff of both groups. Jamie McConachie, recently retired NZSCA President and central in a lot of the consultation process, said that it was important all parties understood the changes. “We know there will be questions from farmers but without implementing these changes there is a real risk that in the near future we could not service farmer’s needs.”
Mr McConachie was looking forward to being part of the ongoing discussions to communicate the recommendations and also saw this as an opportunity to continue to improve the employment framework for the industry. “We want to be acknowledged as an industry where fair employment conditions are the norm,” Mr McConachie said in reference to previous historical issues where entitlements haven’t always been fairly treated.
The recommendations are set down for adoption on July 1.
ENDS
OTHER NEWS
- Le Dorat Tour to World Champs 2019. Click here for more details. Tour being guided by Lorenne Te Kanawa of Hello World Te Kuiti.
- Have you become a member of the Shearing Contractors' Association yet? Are you struggling in your business with the changes to holiday pay, Employment Agreements and Health & Safety? Perhaps it's time to get in touch. Contact us here.
- Public Liability Insurance including Directors and Officers Liability & Statutory Liability covers are included in your membership to the NZSCA. What is Statutory Liability insurance and why is it required? Click here for more information.
- Industry specific Health & Safety workbook has been produced. Login Now for details.
- Shearing Industry Best Practice Guidelines are available contact us
- Shearing magazine archives available here
- Quick Links
