News & Events
Rural Contractors News
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Rural Contractors NZ is the voice for the $1.5b rural contracting industry accounting for 0.8% of GDP and 0.9% of national employment. Source: Infometrics 2018 report available here
RCNZ media releases and comments below – or contact our Communications advisor Brendon Burns (0274 305501)
Media Comments
Rural contractors recognise trainee contractors with new awards
Rural Contractors NZ has launched new awards which will recognise the next generation coming into the $2b industry. Andrew Olsen, RCNZ’s CEO says his Board has backed the initiative as a further way of cementing in the value that rural contractors place on training....
National Training Council for rural contracting hits ground running
The first meeting of the newly-formed National Training Council for rural contracting saw a welter of contributions on how to improve training in the industry. Rural Contractors NZ CEO Andrew Olsen, who initiated the meeting, says the Council got off to a flying...
Strong foundations for National Training Council for rural contracting
A strong initial group of rural contractors and educators has been brought together to drive the establishment of a National Training Council for the rural contracting sector. Andrew Olsen, CEO of Rural Contracting NZ will act as chair of the foundation group along...
Border entry about-face too late for rural contractors
Today’s announcements on MIQ border changes have been acknowledged by rural contractors but they say the mid-March start to self-isolation for much needed skilled machinery operators is too late for many contractors. The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says step 2 of...
Stretched rural contractors taken past breaking point
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...
Border closure must not scupper rural contractors
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...
Timing now key after major lift in skilled machinery operators
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...
Crisis emerging in rural contracting
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...
MPI and rural contractors support Hanzon training initiative
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....
Rural contractors take Hanzon approach to training
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...
Spray contractors do their best but costs are rising
Rural spraying contractors are doing all they can to insulate farmers from emerging price increases for chemicals but warn of emerging cost rises. Rural Contractors NZ vice-President Clinton Carroll, who runs a Wairarapa spraying business, says contractors are facing...
Wet spring compounding feed shortages, says rural contractors
Some rural contractors in Southland are saying this is the wettest spring in 30 years, says Rural Contractors NZ board member Daryl Thompson, impacting on already short supplies of feed. In Zone reports to last week’s Board meeting, he said the constant rain in the...