After every operation comes the debrief, and the organisers of Operation Cromwell Harvest are seeking feedback on its work to obtain — and keep — workers on Central Otago orchards.
Cromwell Community House is asking people to share their thoughts on how the inaugural operation went and and advice or suggestions for the next season.
Connect Cromwell media and communications manager Jill Herron said Operation Cromwell Harvest was a combined effort to support horticulture industry workers and owners.
As well as the community house, it involved Connect Cromwell, Summerfruit New Zealand, Sport Central and The Workers Accommodation Network working alongside other community groups to help harvesters feel part of the community and encourage Cromwell residents to support the industry.
Key focus areas this season included food boxes for harvesters — given by locals from a can drive and local businesses — and community sports evenings and film nights, which were organised by Sport Central, Connect Cromwell, Cromwell Community House and Summerfruit New Zealand, she said.
Seeking and promoting accommodation and the development of the Workers Accommodation Network, promoting and encouraging involvement in community events such and markets and Christmas carols, and wellness support offered by Cromwell Community House were also a focus.
"As we near the end of the harvest we are reflecting on what our rapidly put-together efforts achieved and how best we can help in the future."
The survey is available online or by contacting Cromwell Community House.
