Wednesday, 10 June 2020 12:01

Dairy farming facing potential labour shortage — Nats

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

National’s ag spokesperson David Bennett.

With thousands of migrant visas set to expire, National’s ag spokesperson David Bennett is urging the Government to act quickly to avoid a potential labour shortage for the calving season.

“There are currently 588 migrants on level 1 essential skills visas and a further 2566 on level 5 essential skills visas that are set to expire between the beginning of July and the end of September,” says Bennett.

“This is only counting those currently employed on dairy farms. There are thousands more migrant workers facing visa expiries across New Zealand’s primary industries,”

Bennett says these migrant workers are invaluable and farmers need continuity of employment as they head into calving season.

He says dairy farmers need assurance from the Government that they won’t be left in the lurch.

“Many of these visas expire from the 9^th of July so the Government needs to move quickly to provide dairy farmers assurance that they will not be facing a labour shortage during an already difficult season.

“Migrant workers are a valuable part of New Zealand’s dairy industry and the wider primary sector. The Government needs to support these workers and their employers.”

More like this

SWNZ Strengthens People Pillar for Global Markets

With ethical employment practices a "hot topic" in key markets, Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) is strengthening its People Pillar.

Utilise Overseas Ag Interns

OPINION: Farmers have been clear: it is getting harder, not easier, to find and keep good people.

M.I.A.

OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.

Gaslight much?

OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts started after their disastrous Covid response; now trying to undermine the Covid inquiry to protect his own backside.

Sorry, not sorry

OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?

Featured

Rabobank AgPathways Programme Helps Young Farmers Build Business Skills in Whanganui

37 farmers from across the Rangitīkei and Manawatū regions recently spent a day-and-a-half learning new business management and planning skills at Rabobank’s latest AgPathways Programmes in Whanganui.

Seven New Zealand Catchment Groups Awarded Westpac Water Care Grants for 2026

Seven catchment groups across New Zealand have been awarded $10,000 grants as part of the Westpac Water Care Project.

Equine Vets Urge Vigilance as Strangles Outbreak Hits North Island Horse Properties

Equine veterinarians say horse owners need to stay alert and communicate with their vets following an outbreak of the highly contagious bacterial disease Strangles in the North Island.

New Research Reveals How Kiwis Really Like Their Hot Chips

New nationwide research has revealed exactly how Kiwis like to enjoy hot chips, with a simple sprinkle of salt coming out on top.

David Seymour Criticises Rural Women NZ Over Submission

Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour says advocacy group Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has submitted against a controversial bill without consulting its members.

How New Zealand Apple Growers Won India Market Access

Eighteen months ago, when negotiations for a free trade deal with India were announced, New Zealand apple growers expressed their desire to be part of the deal.