Friday, 27 November 2020 11:49

Government to allow seasonal workers into New Zealand

Written by  Staff Reporters
The government will allow 2,000 seasonal workers from the Pacific into New Zealand in the new year. The government will allow 2,000 seasonal workers from the Pacific into New Zealand in the new year.

The government has announced that 2,000 experienced seasonal workers from the Pacific will be allowed into New Zealand in the new year.

“The government has listened to concerns raised by the sectors and understands their importance for our Covid economic recovery. These changes will help support their ongoing success,” said Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

Due to limited space in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities, entry will be staggered with workers arriving in New Zealand in groups.

Along with the new border exception, changes will be made to allow 6,000 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers and 13,300 Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) visa holders would be allowed to remain in New Zealand and work in orchards, market gardens and vineyards.

Those on visitor, student and work visas will be allowed to apply for Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) visas if they have a job offer from an eligible employer.

Government will also remove the required police and medical checks for these visa applications.

“This is the single largest economic-based class border exception to date,” O’Connor said.

Horticulture New Zealand’s chief executive Mike Chapman said the industry was pleased with the announcement.

“The 2000 RSE workers is a positive start to addressing current seasonal labour issues but we also need to start planning for spring 2021 and harvest 2022,” he said.

Chapman said that New Zealanders would be the first priority for employment in the horticulture industry.

“While more New Zealanders will be available for picking and packing this season, the industry is still facing a significant shortfall of seasonal workers,” he said.

The border exemption is accompanied by a number of conditions.

Employers must agree to pay workers at least $22.10 an hour and meet the costs attached to their RSE workers’ MIQ stay.

They will also have to pay the equivalent of 30 hours work a week to seasonal workers while they are in MIQ facilities.

Workers will arrive between January and March next year.

More like this

China-NZ FTA upgrade

An upgraded free trade agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and China comes into force from April 7.

'Supermarkets are not villains'

Supermarkets shouldn't be seen as villians when it comes to competition and returns in the retail sector, says former Horticulture NZ chief executive Mike Chapman.

Chapman bags Bledisloe Cup

Former Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman last night won the Bledisloe Cup for services to the sector.

HortNZ backs Biosecurity Amendment Bill

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says its is thrilled that the Biosecurity (Information for Incoming Passengers) Amendment Bill was drawn from the Private Member's Ballot yesterday.

Featured

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as possible.

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Alliance's Pure South cuts win gold

Meat co-operative Alliance Group has bagged four gold medals at the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, achieving top honours for every cut entered.

Dairy demand on the rise

There is increasing evidence that dairy demand is on the upswing, according to Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins.

Fert use tumbles as prices spike

Fertiliser use in New Zealand over the 18 months is about 25% down from what it consistently was for the previous decade or more, says Ravensdown chief operating officer Mike Whitty.

National

Bumper cherry exports in 2024

New Zealand cherry producer Southern Fruits International expects to send up to 340 tonnes of luxury cherries to the global…

Machinery & Products

Pollution into fertiliser

While the new government is sure to “tinker” with the previous administration’s emissions policy, a recent visit to New Zealand…

Smart money backs smart machine

Marlborough-based start-up SmartMachine claims its new machine is one of the most significant operational step changes for viticulture since the…

Robo packer hits a billion

New Zealand inventor and manufacturer Robotics Plus Limited’s fruit packing robot has hit a major milestone of one billion pieces…

Crop care business expands

Five years ago, agricultural machinery specialist Lemken acquired the Dutch company Steketee B.V and expanded its crop care product portfolio…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Too late?

OPINION: Your canine crusader reckons moves by the new government to try and breathe new life into the country's ailing…

Going rogue!

OPINION: This old mutt suggests the new government is going to have to move fast to rein in a number…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter