Far North Aged Care Providers Partner with Educators and Iwi to Cultivate Local Workforce
In a collaborative effort to address the growing shortage of aged care workers in the Far North, aged care providers, educators, and iwi have joined forces to nurture a local aged care workforce. The initiative aims to tackle the increasing demand for aged care services fueled by the burgeoning number of retirement villages with aged care facilities in the region, particularly in Kerikeri.
To combat this challenge, four Northland care operators – Kerikeri Retirement Village, Claud Switzer Residential Care in Kaitāia, Kauri Lodge in Kāeo, and Oakridge Villas Metlifecare in Kerikeri – have devised a plan to recruit and train much-needed staff. Their strategy involves hosting a series of expos and workshops throughout 2024, targeting both school leavers and experienced individuals seeking a re-entry into the workforce.
Hilary Sumpter, chief executive of Kerikeri Retirement Village, explained the rationale behind this approach: “Rather than relying on overseas recruitment, we decided to invest in long-term solutions by growing our own workforce.”
Acknowledging the nationwide struggle to attract aged care workers, exacerbated by the pandemic, Sumpter emphasized the importance of proactive measures: “Covid made it worse, but we’ve been facing this shortage for years due to underfunding.”
Kerikeri’s burgeoning aged care sector, with new retirement villages and facilities emerging, has further intensified the need for qualified staff. In addition to Kerikeri Retirement Village’s existing 68-bed care facility, Metlifecare Oakridge is building a 65-bed care home, and Arvida plans to construct an 80-bed facility.
Sumpter recognized the significant demand for staff: “With the opening of these new facilities, the pressure on the workforce will be immense. Instead of competing for the same limited pool of workers, we’re taking a collaborative approach to ensure we meet the employment needs of everyone.”
Metlifecare, set to open its Oakridge Villas Care Home in mid-2024, is actively involved in the initiative, seeking to fill positions for the new facility at the February expo. “We envision creating sustainable employment opportunities in Te Tai Tokerau to address the growing demand for aged care services in Kerikeri,” a Metlifecare spokesperson stated.
Arvida’s Te Puna Waiora, the Far North’s largest retirement village, will accommodate approximately 340 residents in 200 villas and townhouses, with the potential for an additional 80 care beds upon completion. While the care facility’s opening date remains undetermined, Arvida is committed to supporting workforce development initiatives.
“We are supportive of any efforts to increase and develop the aged care workforce, as the need is only going to grow in this region and across New Zealand,” said Monique Hawker, village manager at Arvida Te Puna Waiora.
The care providers are collaborating with Te Pūkenga, Careerforce, and Ringa Atawahai Matauranga to design training courses that align with the specific skills required for aged care staff. The funding for the expos is provided by the Ministry of Social Development, with support from Te Whatu Ora and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Sumpter highlighted the inclusion of Ngāti Rehia and iwi health providers Ngāti Hine Health Trust, Hauora Hokianga/Hokianga Health, and Whangaroa Health Services Trust in the initiative: “Their involvement ensures that these opportunities reach deep into some of the region’s most isolated communities.”
Sumpter emphasized the diverse career paths available within the aged care sector: “Kerikeri Retirement Village offers work experience and placement training to support those who want to develop their careers in this field.”
This collaborative effort to cultivate a local aged care workforce demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the growing demand for aged care services in the Far North. By engaging with educators, iwi, and potential employees, the care providers are laying the groundwork for a sustainable and resilient aged care workforce in the region.