Backlog still to fill jobs on farms

• Published date: 27 October 2021
• Publication title: Central Rural Life

The Government stepped in last month after farmers’ concerns intensified over staffing shortages and workers departing for countries with more lenient rules about becoming permanent residents.

The one-off resident visa is available to a range of applicants, including migrants already working on farms and orchards.

Some workers have had residency applications on hold since the country first went into COVID-19 lockdown last year.

Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury dairy chairman Nick Giera said farmers were under real pressure getting good staff because of residency and border restrictions.

He knew of South Island farmers who lost staff after they departed to countries with more certainty about residency rules, such as Australia and Canada.

‘‘We had a lot of good, experienced people leaving and part of the reason is they can’t get their families in the country for two to three years.’’

Mr Giera said it was a huge relief that workers on migrant visas could now work towards residency and eventually be joined by...