BusinessNZ has welcomed the Government’s announcement of another 3000 places for seasonal workers to help ease workforce pressure and would like to see the same done for more sectors.
"Hopefully by recognising the urgent need for more workers in the horticultural sector, the Government is also open to considering the shortages New Zealand is currently facing across all sectors and at all levels of employment,” commented BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope.
"The global war for talent has resulted in a very competitive international environment and New Zealand businesses are looking to source skills from the New Zealand labour market where that is possible.
"But international skills and labour will always and necessarily make up part of our labour market.
"With the most severe skill shortages many industries have seen in years, we need to ensure immigration is functioning efficiently and that New Zealand is able to attract the skills and talent we need right now."
New Zealand Winegrowers has also welcomed the announcement.
“The availability of skilled seasonal workers continues to be a critical concern for many growers and wineries. The announcement today will help the New Zealand wine industry to plan with more certainty to meet seasonal work peaks and ensure we can continue to make premium quality wine. This decision will benefit Pacific workers, their families, and our wine regions,” expressed Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.
“There are very clear requirements for all accredited employers regarding accommodation, and pastoral care. As an industry we expect these are upheld, as a minimum. It is a privilege to have this scheme, to enable our industry to meet our seasonal work peaks, and RSE employees must be provided with fair and ethical working conditions - anything less is unacceptable.
“This increase recognises the Government’s confidence in the scheme, and the confidence they have in the primary industries to get this right and give RSE workers the experience they deserve. This is a responsibility that will not be taken lightly.”
