"Farming requires a positive attitude, determination, and tenacity. A young person with these qualities and a strong desire to learn on the job will find farming a satisfying career."
Dr Mackle also noted that the major parties all had policies to attract young New Zealanders into work, and NZFirst in particular has a focus on providing jobs for New Zealanders before migrants.
"We definitely want to see more kiwi candidates in the regions where the jobs are," says Dr Mackle.
"But until we have the kiwi's with the right training and passion for farming, who are attracted to rural regions, we will continue to fill a genuine need with migrant workers. Migrant workers also add diversity which is particularly important for a globally focussed sector.
"By targeting the right people early on, those that want to be in farming or work in the agricultural sector, we can ensure we are feeding the future employment needs of our country's primary sector."
"We believe that a long-term strategy needs to be developed and supported by the future Government to make this a reality."
