Clyde Orchards

Property Name: Clyde Orchards

Accommodation Type: Staff Accommodation

Location: Clyde, Central Otago

Product Supplied: Bedroom: Makers Steel Bed Frame – Black, Makers 150mm Foam Mattress, Makers UrbanSteel Underbed Storage, Makers Store-It Bedside Locker, DreamGreen 400gsm Quilt, DreamGreen Waterproof Pillow, DreamTicket Coral Fleece, Weavers 160TC Sheeting Set Living & Dining: Jeri PU Sofa, Sky Coffee Table, Canteen Table, Vita Chair Kitchen: Cutler Cutlery, Crockery, Kitchenware

“No hesitation in recommending Vendella to other growers or accommodation providers looking to use their service. The products are robust, affordable, and the service has been fantastic.”

KRIS ROBB | OPERATIONS MANAGER

Hear from the Kris.

Operations Manager Kris talks about their recent build and how Vendella helped.

Background.

Located in the heart of Central Otago, Clyde Orchards is one of New Zealand’s most respected stonefruit producers. With a history rooted in family tradition and a reputation for premium fruit, the business has grown steadily to meet changing market demands. Today, Clyde Orchards cultivates 40 hectares of cherries and 25 hectares of flat oak peaches, along with a smaller crop of nectarines. The orchard exports its high-quality fruit to markets around the world, including Russia, Europe, and China. During the busy growing season, Clyde Orchards and its pack house employ over 150 staff – a vital contribution to the local economy that also comes with the challenge of accommodating a large seasonal workforce

The Project.

For many years, seasonal staff have been housed in on-site accommodation adapted from existing facilities. But in recent seasons, the team recognised the need for a better long-term solution. As Kris said, “We’ve been involved with the RSE programme since its inception 18 years ago. Up until now, we’ve accommodated our guys in what we had available, but in the last two years, we made the decision to invest in a purpose-built complex.” With a clear vision in mind, Clyde Orchards commissioned architect Robert Holland to design a dedicated accommodation facility. The brief was specific: a 10-room, 20-bed complex, completely self-contained, with its own kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. The building needed to be efficient to heat and cool, durable, easy to clean, and culturally respectful. Robert undertook extensive research into Pasifika and Māori architectural themes, resulting in a design featuring big spanning roofs, warm colors, and culturally informed design elements – with input from the workers themselves.

The partnership began with Greg meeting the team at Hort NZ Conference, and discussing the project. With year of experience in furnishing staff accommodation, Greg provided brochures and walked them through their option. Clyde Orchards carefully reviewed the range and decided to furnish the entire complex with Vendella, leaning on Greg to get it right. Each bedroom was outfitted with two king single beds, bedside cabinets with colored doors (a favorite with the workers), and under-bed storage. In the shared spaces, they added three two-seater couches, dining tables and chairs, and fully equipped kitchens with all the necessary utilities.

How did Vendella make it easy for Clyde Orchards?

“Vendella helped us furnish everything – from the big items down to the kitchen gear. It made the whole process simple and stress-free.” 
The result is a warm, functional, culturally respectful living space that helps workers feel right at home. Clyde Orchards now offers a purpose-built facility that reflects the value they place on their seasonal team, and by partnering with Vendella, they were able to bring the whole space to life quickly and confidently. With a dedicated team, well-thought-out design, and quality product throughout, Clyde Orchards has created accommodation that supports both wellbeing and productivity, season after season.

Learn more about Clyde Orchards here.