New Zealand pork sector faces staff shortages

Photo / Supplied

New Zealand's pork sector is calling on the Government to urgently review its current policies on skilled migrant workers as it faces severe staff shortages.

Each year, New Zealand's pig farming industry relies on experienced workers from overseas to meet a shortfall in staff with the necessary skills required to work with the country's pig herd.

However, the industry is concerned skilled migrants already working on pig farms in New Zealand may not have their visas renewed, or existing workers trying to return from overseas visits will be blocked, leaving many farmers with significant staffing shortages.

"The sector's strong preference would be to have a pool of available skilled and unskilled New Zealand workers," NZ Pork chief executive David Baines said.

"However, pig farming is a relatively niche sector in New Zealand and the reality is that there is a significant shortage of New Zealanders applying for roles".

"The industry relies on a supply of skilled migrant workers who have been trained in their home countries. The numbers in total are small, particularly compared to major industries such as dairy, but the productivity of the industry is very vulnerable because of the precision nature of pig farming".

NZ Pork has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of Immigration Iain Lees-Galloway to discuss the issue.

NZ Pork chief executive David Baines. Photo / Supplied

A survey of pig farmers has found that many fear their existing skilled migrant staff may be required to leave New Zealand as a result of immigration measures taken in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Multiple farmers raised concerns that migrant staff may not have their visas renewed this year, that migrant workers cannot currently enter New Zealand and that existing staff on visas are facing difficulties returning from overseas visits.

Further concerns raised include the cost of visas, processing times, a lack of pathway to residency and a lack of consistency from Immigration New Zealand in terms of visa length and conditions.

"While we recognise that Covid-19 has and will continue to leave New Zealanders out of work, and hopefully create some opportunities for New Zealanders who are prepared and willing to work on pig farms, the sector cannot wait for such people to perhaps become available," Baines said.

"Our animals need continuous skilled and committed care to be provided".