18 Sep 2019

Work visa changes - will an overhaul help fix shortages?

From Nine To Noon, 9:08 am on 18 September 2019

Is the government's overhaul of work visas the solution to the labour shortages being faced by many sectors and industries?

The government has created one type of employer-assisted temporary work visa which foreign workers can apply for to take the place of six visa categories, including essentials skills and long skill shortages.

All employers wanting to hire overseas workers will be required to be accredited. Immigration minister Iain Lees-Galloway says the new visa will address labour shortages, while reducing exploitation, and improving conditions for New Zealand workers.

Kathryn talks with Simon Wallace, Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association; Queenstown based restaurateur and entrepreneur Fleur Caulton - behind the Madame Wu and Hawker and Roll chains, as well as the high end restaurant Rata and Chief Executive of Dairy NZ Tim Mackle.