As of March 10th, significant changes to immigration policies will take effect, impacting the agricultural sector in New Zealand.
These updates will influence wages, visa durations, and family sponsorship requirements.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you need to know:
Shift from Median Wage to Market Rate
The visa wage requirement has transitioned from the median wage to the market rate. While this term is somewhat ambiguous, industry data suggests:
Junior farm staff should expect around $26 per hour, including the value of housing.
Herd managers will remain at approximately $30 per hour.
Although visa holders’ wages can be updated if both parties agree, work visas must generally honor the originally approved wage.
Family Sponsorship Requirements
Sponsoring family members has been a common question. While a salary of $56,000 per year (based on a 40-hour workweek) is often mentioned as sufficient, additional criteria must be met:
The visa holder must hold a skilled visa, which applies to roles such as herd managers or farm managers.
To qualify for a skilled visa, candidates typically need three years of commercial farming experience or relevant tertiary education.
Simply earning the required salary is not enough - workers must also meet skill and experience criteria to be eligible.
Extended Visa Durations
Junior farm workers will now receive three-year visas instead of two years.
The introduction of maximum continuous stay policies (formerly known as "stand down" rules) will not impact the agricultural sector significantly. Once workers reach three years, they can transition to a skilled visa, which provides a pathway to residency.
Employer Verification Requirements
Employers are still required to check for available local workers before hiring overseas candidates. However, there is now no set timeframe for this verification. Despite the policy change, it remains essential to follow best practices when recruiting farm staff.
Agricultural Machinery Operators Now Recognized as Skilled Workers
A major win for the industry is the recognition of tractor drivers (agricultural machinery operators) as a skilled profession. This will help fill a crucial labor gap for farms and contractors requiring specialised equipment operators.
Removal of Sector Agreements
Sector agreements have been removed. Although the dairy industry never had a formal agreement, discussions were held in the past. The removal of sector agreements helps distinguish rural employers from industries that have faced compliance issues, reinforcing the strong reputation of the agricultural sector.
Looking Ahead
These updates bring stability to the industry, making now the perfect time for contract milkers and farm owners to plan their workforce needs. If you're hiring for the next season, starting early is key to ensuring compliance with the new policies. Need help finding staff? Click Here
The overall outlook for immigration policy is cautiously optimistic. These changes provide greater clarity and opportunities for both employers and workers in the agricultural sector.
Contact us today to learn how these changes might affect you, or if you need assistance with your Visa application: Click Here
You can read the full announcement here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/changes-to-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-aewv-and-median-wage
