Harris Farms extends model of care to Hurunui’s young people

A North Canterbury processing plant is extending its successful pastoral support model to benefit Hurunui’s young people.

Harris Farms General Manager Nick Tobin says the business’s rapid expansion about 10 years ago had established a need for additional workers from further afield, including Samoa, Fiji and the Philippines. “We set up a system of pastoral support to help our migrants successfully integrate.”

Hurunui Council’s Chris Sutherland, who was appointed this year as Hurunui Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) Programme Lead, immediately saw the potential for MTFJ placements to benefit from that system of support.

“The more young people we can attract the better,” says Tobin. “We encouraged Chris to visit us and have a discussion.”

Hawarden’s Laura Clyma (24) was placed at Harris Farms three months ago, working in the packing room. Her success paved the way for Horton McKay (18) from Amberley to start one month ago.

Moving into an affordable rental in the township, “it’s a secure way for a young person to start out independently,” says Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black. “The support from the MTFJ programme, which is a crucial part of helping our young people, alongside Harris Farms’ pastoral support, offers wrap-around support for young people transitioning into the workplace.”

“They’re setting up their own living space, with the security of having other staff members living not far away,” says Tobin. “It’s providing support with a high level of accountability, and they know we’re here if they have any questions.”

Operating from the factory in Domett, the business has its own processing plant, about 1,000 hectares of sheep and beef farms, and both wholesale and retail components, employing around 60 staff. Last month, the business won the Foodstuffs South Island Fresh Partnership Award for 2024 in recognition of its achievement distributing directly to Foodstuffs’ South Island stores.

The company’s success provides opportunities for young people wanting to take that first step into a career, says Tobin.

“There’s plenty of scope in the business to try different things. We want to give young people the opportunities – if we see potential, we will make it work.”

McKay started his first day in the yards, but quickly realised his strengths lay in a different direction. After a discussion with Operations Co-ordinator Bridget Galbraith, he moved to the boning room, with the opportunity to start a butcher’s apprenticeship. He and Clyma agree the opportunity to be able to work within the district is a big win.

“This is my first full-time position,” says McKay.

Clyma relishes being close to family and being exposed to “all sides of the business. It’s an opportunity to be in the workforce.”

• Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) Community Employment Programme (CEP) is a nationwide partnership between Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) that has a strong focus on getting young people into sustainable employment.