The New Zealand Ministry for Oceans and Fisheries has launched an inquiry into the use and allocation of migrant labor in the country's seafood sector was launched.
The inquiry began 2 July, and the ministry will release the report by the end of August, it said.
New Zealand Minister for Oceans and Fisheries David Parker announced the inquiry has the aim of reducing the sector’s reliance on migrant labor and increasing the number of New Zealanders working in rewarding jobs in the sector.
“COVID-19 border restrictions highlighted the seafood sector's vulnerability to its reliance on migrant labor. This has sped up work across the industry and within government to increase the participation of New Zealanders in the sector,” the ministry said.
The inquiry will investigate the use and allocation of migrant labor in the seafood sector, and will establish principles and mechanisms by which the right to employ migrant labor “could be allocated in the future on a reducing basis.”
As a result of the inquiry, recommendations will be made to the minister regarding migrant labor use.
Seafood industry Seafood New Zealand has welcomed the inquiry, saying it would like to hire more skilled New Zealand workers in place of migrant laborers.
“The industry is well-aware of the desire of the government to reduce migrant workers across many sectors and the seafood industry is already engaged with the government on a plan to transition more New Zealanders into the industry,” Seafood New Zealand said. “That transition will be challenging and take time but we look forward to the Inquiry’s recommendations into how we can reduce our reliance on migrant labor and how automation and innovation might play a role in that.”
Seafood New Zealand said a more-skilled New Zealand workforce will be beneficial in terms of resilience to global events.
“We welcome analysis of the barriers preventing the further ‘New Zealandization’ of the workforce,'' the statement said.
The inquiry panel has key dates to undertake the work: by 30 September, 2021, a draft report and recommendations for consultation with key sector stakeholders – including Seafood New Zealand and Te Ohu Kaimoana – is due. The inquiry is expected to present its final report on 29 October.
Photo courtesy of Sheryl Watson/Shutterstock
