With one company flying drivers to the South Island each week to cover important routes, the trucking industry is warning of dire heavy vehicle driver shortages.
A letter is being sent to Immigration Minister Michael Wood from industry heads warning waste collection and public transport services could be "pared back" if changes aren't made to allow more drivers into the country immediately.
In a statement, Wood said that the lack of staff had been driven by operators lowering the pay and conditions of drivers to compete commercially, and that he would consider the letter before replying.
"Taken together, the sectors we represent are facing a shortfall of over 9000 drivers: at least 8000 drivers for freight vehicles of all sizes and classes; up to 600 bus drivers; and around 400 drivers of waste collection vehicles," said the letter, signed by representatives of the Waste Management Industry Forum, the Bus and Coach Association, and National Road Carriers.
"We cannot overstate the degree of strain this is placing on the businesses we represent. It is resulting in unsustainable increases in cost, uncertainty and stress, and businesses are being stretched to breaking point in order to uphold commitments to clients and customers, and to the New Zealand public. We are receiving reports of burnout on an unprecedented scale."
