increase font size
The ‘band-aid’ solution of extending priority processing of visas is simply bringing no joy to farmers in desperate need of staff for calving.
OPINION: It's time for the Government to step in and resolve the migrant worker visa issue for the dairy sector, once and for all.
The ‘band-aid’ solution of extending priority processing of visas is simply bringing no joy to farmers in desperate need of staff for calving, nor to experienced and eager workers ready to help with calving on NZ dairy farms.
According to Federated Farmers, the dairy sector needs up to 1000 workers for calving season now underway. However, it’s taking up to six months for Immigration NZ to process visas.
Federated Farmers has been working closely with the Minister of Immigration and INZ to try and find solutions to alleviate some of the pressure short-staffed farmers are under and prevent any animal welfare issues during calving.
Last week, farmers got some relief. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford agreed to some limited exceptions for existing visa applications, where the applicant is already onshore, to facilitate them being on farm as soon as possible.
The Minister has also agreed to extend priority processing for dairy farm worker and dairy farmer visa applications until 1 September, which should at least see farmers through the bulk of South Island calving. But it only relieves some of the short-term pressure this season, and it’s only a band-aid solution.
The time has come for the Government to address some of the bigger, longer-term challenges with the immigration system.
For starters, the accredited employer scheme is a shambles.
Farmers pay to become accredited employers; it’s a time-tested process and farmers must have a long history of being good employers and keep good records. But it’s still taking farmers four to five months to get a visa for overseas workers.
If the Government doesn’t fix these challenges over the next 12 months, farmers will find themselves back in the exact same situation next season.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
Federated Farmers is renewing its call for Greenpeace to be stripped of its charitable status immediately, following the activist group's latest publicity stunt.
Farmers are welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical and grounded in real-world farming.
OPINION: The Government's decision to stop local authorities going ahead with reviews of district and regional plans makes sense for several reasons.
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
