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

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

National

Machinery & Products

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets,…

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter