FFNZ Welcomes Skills Shortages Changes

13 December 2004 PR 226/04

FFNZ Welcomes Skills Shortages Changes

Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) has welcomed Department of Labour changes to the occupational skill shortages list.

The latest list, which records occupations with immediate and long-term shortages of skilled workers, was released by the Department of Labour today.

Lobbying by the Federation has resulted in appropriately experienced or qualified assistant herd managers, beekeepers, farm managers, shepherds shearers and heavy vehicle drivers being added to the skill shortages list.

“Including agricultural work in the shortage lists is another step towards government departments recognising that managing a farm is a complex task and key positions cannot be filled by unskilled labour,” said National Board member Hugh Ritchie.

“We want to thank the Department of Labour, the Immigration Service and Government Ministers for listening to our concerns. While immigration will not solve the skills shortage, it does give employers another option of how to fill essential positions in the agriculture sector,” said Mr Ritchie.

ENDS

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