Being able to drive safely on New Zealand roads is a crucial employment skill, so Bay of Plenty post-harvest operator, Trevelyan's, is helping staff obtain their full driver's licence.

Dozens of New Zealand-born and overseas workers have undergone intensive driver training in the past few months, to either progress through the graduated licence system or convert their international driver's licence to a New Zealand one.

All of the training was paid for and organised by Trevelyan's, and staff were given an advance to cover the actual licence fees if they couldn't afford to pay them up front.

'We set up an in-house project to coordinate everyone who was on no license, a learner's license or restricted license to keep them moving through and working towards getting their full license,” explains Trevelyan's Human Resource Manager Jodi Johnstone.

'It was hugely successful and we had 13 staff gain their full licence as a result.”

A subsequent project aimed at Trevelyan's RSE workforce has helped eight Samoan staff convert their international driver's licences to New Zealand ones so far, with another five due to soon follow suit.

'Sitting the written theory test was a significant challenge for these guys as English is their second language.

'We're incredibly proud of their achievement and believe Trevelyan's is one of the first companies in the country to help RSE workers to convert their international driver's licences post-COVID.

'Normally an international licence expires after 12 months but because of border restrictions, our RSE workforce has opted to stay here longer than ever before. We wanted to be proactive and keep them safe so they could continue driving on our roads.”

A total of 56 RSE workers are currently working for Trevelyan's – far fewer than previous years.

'They're mostly out in the orchard but they work in our packhouse during the peak harvest season as well and they need to be able to drive so they can get their teams around.”

There have been a number of fatal road accidents over the years involving overseas workers brought in to pick fruit across the Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay, and Johnstone says the effort put into helping both local and RSE staff gain their full New Zealand licence will improve safety for all road users.

'We put them into vehicles with a driver trainer and they spent a significant amount of time out there, just making sure that they were calm and had a really good understanding of what the rules are in New Zealand around driving.”

The driver training is just one of a number of initiatives Trevelyan's has implemented in recent years to help care for their staff and recruit new talent.

Free health checks, exercise classes, and wellness initiatives are held throughout the year to ensure staff are well looked after and happy coming to work each day.

'We really care about our staff and want them to get the most out of life. We're prepared to invest in all aspects of their health and wellbeing so they can then deliver their best work performances for us,” Johnstone says.

Trevelyan's has previously been recognised at the inaugural ‘Primary Industries Good Employer Awards' held at Parliament for the family-owned company's commitment to good employment conditions and employee health, safety and wellbeing.