A new online platform to help ensure seasonal and temporary workers in Otago find suitable and affordable accommodation will launch soon.

Wanaka entrepreneur Carmen Blackler is the founder of The Workforce Accommodation Network (The WAN), a community-focused initiative connecting workers and local accommodation. 

“One of the things that is very important to me is that we look after the people that serve our community,” Carmen said. “The WAN would like to change the paradigm of accommodation from being just a commercial transaction to one of hospitality, care and reciprocity for all who contribute to our communities.”

She said temporary and seasonal workers are important to the local economy but there are limited accommodation options for many of them. 

“They come in and help our businesses thrive but because they are often on minimum wage and here only temporarily the normal accommodation options do not work for them,” Carmen said. 

The WAN was initially due to launch only in Wanaka and the Queenstown Lakes district, but it has been extended to all of Otago because of the issues that orchards are facing for the upcoming harvest.

Pointing to AirBnB and long-term rentals, Carmen said neither of those scenarios meet the needs of temporary workers.

And while some workers, often young people or travellers, might be prepared to stay in a van or camping ground to save money, workers should have more options. 

The WAN will help to fill this gap by connecting people who have a spare room, sleepout or house with individuals (who must be verified by a local business to register) working in the local community.

“In terms of the arrangement between the accommodation and the roomer, that is between them,” Carmen said. “It is our expectation that the accommodation would charge them some rent but we expect it would be relevant to what they earn.” 

Carmen said while the tourism industry had taken a big hit because of COVID-19, those workers will return, and there are lots of other people who continue to move to Otago temporarily.

“The idea is still valid because we still have construction workers, relief teachers, orchard workers; there’s a real myriad of people.”

Carmen, who has a background in engineering, dove into the topic of housing and temporary workers while studying for her Master’s thesis in Auckland. 

After much research and investigation, Carmen said it became clear that accommodation for seasonal and temporary workers was a significant problem that she was determined to solve.

She also discovered through her research that connecting workers and accommodation has wide positive impacts.

“These connections ensure well rested and cared for workers, which leads to increased productivity. Increased productivity helps local businesses prosper, which in turn benefits the whole community.”

Carmen started building The WAN platform in May and plans to launch in December. 

Businesses, workers and accommodation providers can learn more about The WAN and register their interest here.

PHOTO: Supplied