Tuesday, 05 October 2021 09:55

Petition demands MIQ spaces

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
A petition has been launched asking MBIE to release MIQ spaces for essential veterinary workers. A petition has been launched asking MBIE to release MIQ spaces for essential veterinary workers.

A worsening vet shortage has triggered a petition calling for the Government to set aside two MIQ spaces every week for authorised arrivals.

The petition launched on September 21 by Julie South of vet recruitment agency, VetStaff, has collected 302 signatures. The petition closes on October 31.

South told Rural News that the situation is "very dire". She says the 50 overseas vets granted border exceptions in June need MIQ spaces to get into the country.

"And where are we at with MIQ dates already - 2022? How crazy is that? The green light was given in June 2021 and we'll be lucky if they arrive in the New Year."

South says she's flabbergasted that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) won't set aside MIQ spaces to allow essential workers to get into NZ so they can work here.

New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) chief executive Kevin Bryant says South was in contact with them before launching directly with various government departments on the issue, it decided not to advocate South's petition.

"We appreciate what she's doing as an individual to help our profession," he told Rural News.

South is pleased with the response to her petition.

She says people are surprised that 50 vets were signed off in June and the country is still waiting for them to arrive.

"There is also surprise that government departments aren't supporting other government departments to help get NZ back on its feet again and that MBIE won't allow just two MIQ spaces for essential worker vets each week."

South warns that animal welfare is being compromised as a result of the vet shortage. Staff working long hours were also coming under pressure.

More like this

No laughing matter!

A leading rural contractor has described the Government's efforts to facilitate the arrival of oversees workers as a joke.

Aussie's loss is NZ's gain

In a twist on the usual formula, Australia fears a shortage of shearers in that country after New Zealand shearers return home once our borders reopen.

Self-isolation better way

Scrapping MIQ requirements from next month means vet clinics can plan ahead with certainty, says recruiter Julie South, VetStaff.

Featured

New UHT plant construction starts

Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.

National

Machinery & Products

GEA launches robotic milkers

Milking technology provider GEA Farm Technologies is introducing its first automatic milking system (AMS) in New Zealand.

More front hoppers

German seeding specialists Horsch have announced a new 1600- litre double-tank option that will join its current Partner FT single…

Origin Ag clocks up 20 years

With roots dating back to 2004, Origin Ag was formed as a co-operative business model that removed the traditional distributor,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Dark ages

OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought…

Rhymes with?

OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be,…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter