Labouring in the Vineyards of Marlborough: Experiences, Meanings and Policy

摘要

Labour supply in the vineyards of the Marlborough region of New Zealand is a pressing issue for industry development. Drawing on a mix of recent ethnographic and other qualitative research, this paper discusses the demographics of the labour Jorce ofthe Marlborough vineyards and the experiences and meanings of this work among these workers. The paper is organised into three substantive sections. The first outlines the nature of the work, pay and conditions, and health and safety issues. The second section discusses the demographics and the experiences and meanings particular to sub-groups within the labour force. The third and final section discusses the implications of the previous two sections for policymakers. The paper argues that recognition of the diversity of labour as well as the seasonably of demand is pivotal to resolving tensions between social and economic policy, and that more work needs to be carried out in this area.