Friday, March 29, 2024

My Daily Digest: May 5, 2021

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NZ immigration under the spotlight   News of a review of New Zealand’s immigration policy has some in the primary sector a little nervous. The sector relies heavily on migrant labour, especially when it comes to picking fruit and milking cows.
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Industry leaders understand that the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme will be safe, but this Government has shown a strong preference for all employers to look for home-grown talent to fill any roles they may have.

There’s a lot to think about when weighing any change to immigration settings.

The primary industries have made pretty good returns in recent years and one could argue that it’s time to lessen the dependence on migrant labour.

But with unemployment down below 5% it’s difficult to see where the workers would come from to fill the gaps.

And, the RSE scheme plays a vital role in the economic well-being of many Pacific families.

Whoever does the work, it’s important they’re paid a dignified wage and have conditions that the employer and industry are happy to promote as part of their brand story.

Other industries have stumbled over after having untoward employment practices uncovered. 

That’s something food producers can and should avoid.

 

Bryan Gibson

 

Primary sector wary of immigration review

Primary sector leaders are hoping they will not be short-changed for staffing options once the productivity commission reviews the Government’s long-term immigration settings in coming months.

 

Changes coming for Fonterra’s capital structure

Units in the Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund have been placed on a trading halt ahead of a key announcement regarding potential changes to the dairy cooperative’s capital structure.

 

 

Nadine Tunley takes top hort role

Nadine Tunley is Horticulture New Zealand’s new chief executive.

 

 

Meat collaboration benefits all

Resilience and collaboration within the red meat industry underpinned the response to covid-19 and managing drought issues across much of the country, according to the latest Red Meat Report.

 

 

Commercial bull work moves at pace

In addition to the prospect of methane inhibiting feed additives and the distant promise of an anti-methane vaccine, breeding is also likely to be a contributor in delivering lower methane-emitting dairy cows.

 

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