April 28, 2022
Sealord hard pressed to hook workers
Sealord is looking at a process change and automation as a way to deal with staff shortages at its on-shore fish processing factories.
Chief executive Doug Paulin says it’s hard for the Nelson-based Māori-Japanese owned company to find enough seasonal workers.
Opening the borders to working holiday visas could also offer some relief.
He says finding crews for its deepwater vessels has always been a challenge.
“We’re always looking for people to go to sea. It is one of those jobs which doesn’t suit everyone and regardless if we have open or closed borders we are always on the hunt for people who want to become fishermen which is a great career choice,” Mr Paulin says.
Operational savings meant Sealord weathered the first two years of the pandemic reasonably well, but this year is likely to be extra tough, with high fuel prices likely to add an extra $15 to $20 million to its costs.
The Sealord dividend is a major contributor to the bottom lines of iwi both through what it pays for use of their quota and the dividends that are low through to Te Ohu Kaimoana for distribution.