Jan 14, 2022 | Press Releases
Stressed rural contractors, told in mid-December they could bring in 200 more skilled machinery operators, have not yet seen a single arrival given any MIQ space. Rural Contractors NZ CEO Andrew Olsen says despite the best efforts of MPI staff to help find MIQ beds...
Dec 22, 2021 | Press Releases
Yesterday’s closure of the border must not be allowed to scupper last week’s Government announcement that 200 skilled machinery operators can come from overseas to the rescue of rural contractors and farmers. That’s the call today from Rural Contractors NZ CEO Andrew...
Dec 13, 2021 | Press Releases
Rural contractors are relieved at today’s announcement that 200 skilled machinery operators can enter the country – but say the timing is now critical. Andrew Olsen, Rural Contractors NZ CEO, says he will be working on this with officials over the next two weeks. “I...
Nov 19, 2021 | Press Releases
The shortage of skilled agricultural machinery operators is reaching a crisis point say rural contractors, with many unable to meet farmer requirements and increasing fears for their health and safety. Andrew Olsen, CEO of Rural Contractors NZ says an urgent meeting...
Oct 15, 2021 | Press Releases
The Rural Contractors NZ Board has agreed to help fund a HanzonJobs initiative alongside support of $140,000 from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to train and mentor young people working with contractors around the country. It is being launched today....
Sep 28, 2021 | Press Releases
Rural contractors facing desperate shortages of skilled staff can now tap into the training of 200 new industry trainees who will use an app to record and document their work. The Rural Contractors NZ Board last week agreed to help fund the HanzonJobs programme which...