Wednesday, 29 June 2022 13:25

New Ag Work NZ initiative aims to fill worker shortage

Written by Staff Reporters

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A new initiative is aiming to target New Zealand's labour shortages with experienced staff from the UK, Ireland and other areas of Europe.

Ag Work NZ, a work placement initiative, aims to fill New Zealand’s farm worker and tractor driver shortages.

Ag Work NZ is affiliated with rural driver training provider Ag Drive, and will bring experienced staff over from the UK, Ireland and Europe on holiday working visas, following the reopening of NZ’s borders.

Director Andre Syben says the launch of Ag Work NZ is perfectly timed to fill the farm worker shortages in New Zealand while capitalising on the re-opening of NZ borders after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“What we’re hearing from New Zealand farmers and agricultural contractors is that they’re desperate for staff,” says Syben.

Northern hemisphere workers will be recruited by Ag Works’ UK-based team, who will interview and screen workers. Then, in conjunction with Ag Works’ NZ-based recruitment team, potential workers will be matched with New Zealand farm and agricultural employers for an online interview.

Employers can then make a job offer and farm workers make their own way to New Zealand. Upon arrival in the country, pastoral care support will be provided on the ground by Ag Work NZ, to make the transition as seamless as possible.

“With the pastoral support we’re providing, there is less risk to the employer and the employee,” says Syben.

All recruits will undergo a two-day machine operation course with Ag Drive, tailored to working conditions in New Zealand, as well as being set up with bank accounts, IRD numbers and local phones. Transport will then be arranged to get recruits to their new jobs around New Zealand.

NZ Employers can sign up with Ag Work NZ online to access UK staff, ready and waiting to work in New Zealand. Learn more at: www.agworknz.com/findstaff

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