Thursday, 25 June 2020 13:22

Govt underestimating labour shortage — National

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

National’s ag spokesperson David Bennett.

The government is underestimating the size of the labour shortage rural contractors are facing, according to National’s ag spokesperson David Bennett.

“Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor says he expects rural contractors generally require 350 foreign workers to get through the season. But contractors dispute this, saying many more will likely be needed to fill the labour shortage,’ claims Bennett.

“He also admitted the Government’s Covid-19 training programme is only training 40 people across the country to fill these highly-skilled roles.

“The Minister implied that if someone is capable of driving a van then they are qualified to drive a tractor. This is a simplistic view that doesn’t take into account the complexities of rural contracting and the high-value crops that are at stake.

Bennett says the labour shortage is going to cause major headaches as farmers start moving into silage season.

“Damien O'Connor needs to work with rural contractors to find a way forward on this issue.”

More like this

One and One Don't Make Three

OPINION: Since when did one and one make three? Who didn't smell an elephant-sized rat when our leaders decided to give $60 million to save the cement factory in Northland?

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities Party, labelled by some as the 'LinkedIn Greens' for their corporate spin on Green-esque 'tax the rich' policies.

Ode to the Silly Season

OPINION: It's election time.

Farming Leader Katie Milne Steps into Politics for National

Former Federated Farmers president Katie Milne is National’s candidate for the West Coast- Tasman seat in this year’s general election.

Election 2026: Former Federated Farmers President Named National Party Candidate

Katie Milne, former Federated Farmers president, has been announced as the National Party’s candidate for the West Coast-Tasman electorate.

Featured

Palmerston North Shearer Sentenced After MPI Investigation Into Sheep Abuse

A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.

Power Farming Launches Southland Joint Venture

Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.

Meet the Need Delivers Record 1.27 Million Meals as Food Insecurity Hits One in Three NZ Households

Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.

NZ Tractor Sales Up 10.7% in First Half of 2026: TAMA

As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.

NZ Avocado Sector Eyes Bigger Crop and New Export Markets

The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.

Keep What Works Working: NZ's New Resistance Campaign

New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.