10 Jun 2021

Government gives lifeline for visa workers

From Morning Report, 8:15 am on 10 June 2021

Visa workers in New Zealand have been thrown a lifeline from the government.

Around 10,000 Working Holiday visas and Supplementary Seasonal Employment work visas due to expire this year will be extended for another six months.

Border exceptions will also be made to allow another 200 dairy workers and 50 vets into the country.

But it comes with some conditions - employers paying under the median wage will need to check with the Ministry of Social Development to see whether a registered job seeker from New Zealand is available first.

HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman and Dairy NZ chief executive Tim Mackle spoke to Philippa Tolley.