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

Editorial: NZ's great China move

OPINION: The New Zealand red meat sector, with support from the Government, has upped the ante to retain and expand its niche in the valuable Chinese market - and the signs are looking positive.

Wool-derived protein eyes $2b market

Keratin extracted from New Zealand wool could soon find its way into products used to minimise osteoporosis, promote gut health, and other anti-inflammatories, says Keraplast chief executive Howard Moore.

Strong uptake of good wintering practices

DairyNZ has seen a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.

Winter grazing warning

Every time people from overseas see photographs of cows up to their hocks in mud it's bad for New Zealand.

National

Positive vibes from China

Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton says his recent visit to China has left him feeling optimistic about the…

Returns 'not good enough'

Fonterra leaders are making their case for offloading the co-operative's $3 billion consumer business, noting that its return on capital…

Record milk price!

A record farmgate milk price for Fonterra shareholders is all but confirmed for this season.

Machinery & Products

An ideal solution for larger farms

Designed specifically for large farms that want to drill with maximum flexibility, efficiency and power, the new Lemken Solitair ST…

Landpower increases its offering

Landpower and the Claas Harvest Centre network will launch the Claas Scorpion and Torion material handling solutions to the market…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Review SOEs!

OPINION: NIWA has long weathered complaints about alleged stifling of competition in forecasting, and more recently, claims of lack of…

Bank reset

OPINION: Adding to calls to get banks to 'back off', NZ Agri Brokers director Andrew Laming has revealed that the…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter