PROTECT
From the Board MICHIEL ERADUS
IN MY first ‘letter from the board’ I wanted to discuss the topic which initially drew me to seeking a position on the board of Wine Marlborough - our industry workforce. My involvement in the wine industry ranges from being a contract labour supplier to a grape grower and winery owner, and in each of these organisations one of the most topical issues continues to be our workforce. From a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme perspective, the last few years can most gently be described as challenging. If we begin at the start of Covid-19, just prior to harvest 2020, the hurdles that had to be cleared were significant in order to continue operating. Covid protocols and social distancing aside, dealing with the anxieties of our employees facing the prospect of not being able to return home, in addition to the fear of falling ill, were tough to deal with. But we banded together and made it work. I always maintain looking after and supporting employees between 8am to 4.30pm is easy; it’s between 4.30pm to 8am that things get tricky. Covid only added to this complication, with all the uncertainty and angst. Looking back over the last two years, from my perspective pastoral care has been the most challenging part. Here we are two years later, still waiting to repatriate some employees who have been with us since November 2019. It is easy to gloss over the sacrifices and efforts made, especially by these long-term employees. They are legends and we should all be very grateful. So what’s next? Well, hopefully repatriation will get the last of the long-term people home by the end of pruning.
After this the challenge will be to get our workforce back into summer and winter “sync”. Then let’s hope we get back to business as usual. The human condition is always to strive for more and move forward. Looking back over the last few years I think we - and by that I mean everyone in our industry - should consider all the challenges we have faced and overcome, and feel pretty bloody chuffed. Michiel is an owner of Eradus Wines and contract labour company Vinecraft, and a member of the Marlborough Winegrowers board.
“If you operate in the wine and viticulture sector in Marlborough and supply products or services then advertising in Winepress magazine is a no brainer. It has been an absolute game changer for my business.” Mike Poff To advertise in Winepress email Jo at Wine Marlborough accounts@winemarlborough.nz
4 / Winepress June 2022
Legendary effort Malcom Maralau is one example of a legendary man continuing to put in a legendary effort into our industry. Malcom has been working in Marlborough since May 2020 and is very much looking forward to heading home to Vanuatu after this pruning season.
