Last year, industry and the Government were banking on job vacancies due to workers either returning to their home countries or not being allowed into New Zealand being filled by local workers who had lost their jobs in industries such as tourism.
Despite some success stories, by and large that has not happened, whether that’s because New Zealanders don’t want the work, or find the idea of relocating for it too much.
That’s led to significant shortages that have remained unfilled.
The problem is, although this loosening up of the border will be welcomed, those shortages are so big that they are not going to go away.
That means industries like dairy and horticulture are going to need to continue trying to attract NZ workers for some time yet.
Industry leaders might say they are offering solid careers, but that message is not getting through.
Colin Williscroft
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