increase font size
DairyNZ says the Government’s decision to allow 300 more international dairy farm workers into New Zealand doesn’t do enough to help resolve the sector’s significant staff shortage.
DairyNZ says the Government’s decision to allow 300 more international dairy farm workers into New Zealand doesn’t do enough to help resolve the sector’s significant staff shortage.
In November, the dairy sector requested the Government allow 1500 dairy workers into New Zealand in 2022, but only 300 spots have been granted, in a decision communicated to industry last week.
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says the Government’s decision will be a bitter disappointment for many under-pressure dairy farmers who are anxiously facing yet another season critically short-staffed.
“This is a wellbeing issue, in terms of mental wellbeing but also health and safety on farm. Understaffing increases the risk of accidents and can put animal welfare at risk. Dairy farmers are working long hours to keep their farms going, but it just isn’t sustainable,” says Mackle.
He says DairyNZ will continue to advocate for more international workers.
“We have really appreciated the continued support of Minister O’Connor and also MPI who have advocated on this important issue for almost two years – but it would seem some of their colleagues in Government just aren’t listening and farmers are frustrated by that.
“Although 300 workers will help a small number of farmers, it’s a drop in the bucket for New Zealand’s largest export sector which is at least 4000 workers short.
"This issue won't just affect the dairy sector - we all access the same domestic talent pool, whether that's between primary sectors or from support industries like rural contracting and trucking companies. The decision will have a knock-on effect on many other sectors."
Mackle says farmers who want farm assistants on board for calving are encouraged to apply now for one of the 300 spaces, as there is no guarantee another opportunity to recruit international workers before calving will be possible.
“With workers no longer required to isolate or stay in MIQ and no cap on the number of farm assistants within that 300, we expect stronger interest from farmers using the class exception pathway.”
He says many farmers will struggle to get through the busy calving season without enough people on-farm.
Recent data indicates the dairy sector is now short of up to 4000 workers. Staff shortages have been exacerbated by the border closure and some international workers leaving New Zealand.
Mackle says the current record low unemployment rate is affecting all sectors’ ability to recruit Kiwis, including dairy.
DairyNZ has pulled together tactics that will help farmers improve on-farm efficiency and have positive benefits for the environment. These tactics are based on research, data, and lessons from leading farmers.
The design and construction of an effective dairy effluent system is a complex process.
After serving three as a DairyNZ director, Waikato farmer Chris Lewis is ready for another term.
DairyNZ has announced the date for its six-yearly Milksolids Levy vote, which will take place from Monday, 16 February to Friday, 13 March 2026.
DairyNZ has announced the date for its upcoming Milksolids Levy vote.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.
OPINION: Westland Milk may have won the contract to supply butter to Costco NZ but Open Country Dairy is having…
OPINION: The Gene Technology Bill has divided the farming community with strong arguments on both the pros and cons of…
