NZers wanted to fill ski area staff shortages

The snow industry is calling on New Zealanders to work on ski fields this winter as it faces a shortfall of 1200 workers.

The Ski Area Association of New Zealand (SAANZ) says staff are needed across the 27 ski areas it represents.

Historically, New Zealanders have made up half of the industry’s workforce with international workers making up the remainder.

During the 2020 season, border closures meant many businesses could not employ key staff, which meant some ski areas were under-staffed and unable to open all parts of their business.

Some smaller club fields were unable to open at all. NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said he expected the 2021 ski season to be similar to last year with very busy times in the school holidays but a very quick drop in demand as New Zealanders returned to work.

About 3000 workers were employed across New Zealand ski areas in 2020.

Revenue for the company, which owns and operates the Coronet Peak, Remarkables and Mt Hutt ski areas, was down between 40 and 50 per cent compared to winter 2019.

Ski areas were planning for all scenarios this year, including bringing in more staff from Australia to cope with an anticipated influx of visitors if Australian borders with New Zealand opened, he said.

Preparations were also underway to apply for critical worker exemptions for some of the more skilled positions, such as groomer drivers, that may not be able to be filled for New Zealanders.

SAANZ was seeking support from the Immigration Minister to have working visas extended for periods of time that covered the ski season, he said.

Cardrona and Treble Cone general manager Bridget Legnavsky said the industry was collaborating to ensure the domestic workforce became the fundamental workforce for the industry. Some New Zealanders could consider it as an opportunity for an Overseas Experience (OE) within their own country, she said.

‘‘An OE is a rite of passage for Kiwis and with the borders closed we’re encouraging everyone to consider spending a winter in a mountain town like Ohakune, Ohau, Queenstown or Wa¯ naka,’’ she said.

Ski areas were ramping up efforts to recruit Kiwis including visiting schools and polytechs, running apprenticeship programmes, offering training and personal development initiatives.

James Lazor, from Mt Dobson, urged people to consider work at the smaller ski areas and club fields around the country.