More Border Exemptions For Key Agricultural Jobs Approved

More border exemptions for key agricultural jobs have been approved. 200 mobile plant machinery operators, 40 shearers and 50 wool handler can now get into NZ for key autumn harvest jobs. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor who says they are also allowing for more dairy farm assistants to come in as there is huge demand for those. To do that they are increasing the number of assistants eligible and decreasing the number farm managers up to the maximum of 200 for the dairy sector. So far the primary sector has received more than 5,100 class exceptions since June 2020. Dairy NZ says however even more workers are needed and wants nother 1500 dairy international workers for the 2022 dairy season. And Rural Contractors NZ CEO Andrew Olsen says he hopes the process of getting these workers actually in the paddock is simplified.