Displaying items by tag: Chris Lewis

Securing MIQ spots remain the biggest hurdle to getting overseas workers for the dairy sector.

After the Government released details on a new residency pathway, the industry is reacting with relief.

Visa applications for migrant dairy workers are being declined over a contentious 40-hour working week requirement by the Government.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has thrown the worker shortage issue back to farmers, saying the industry must try harder to attract and retain workers.

Farmers will continue to apply pressure on the Government and hope for a change of heart on the need for skilled overseas workers.

Farmers want the Government to open available space in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) to bring in much-needed workers for the primary industries.

About 50 migrant dairy workers could potentially benefit from the Government’s border exception for work visa holders.

Federated Farmers says tens of millions of dollars worth of farm production and the jobs of other workers are at risk if the Government continues to dither on allowing a limited number of skilled agricultural machinery operators into New Zealand.

Dairy farmers want more Kiwi workers, but they also want relaxed immigration restrictions. So, what's the problem?

Dairy farmers and the Government remain at loggerheads over COVID-19 tenancy restrictions for on-farm accommodation.