Labour Lacks Commonsense On Immigration
Thursday 28 Oct 2004
Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases - Immigration
ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader and Immigration Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today demanded to know when the Labour
Government would see sense and introduce a limited purposes visa to allow foreign fruit-pickers to work in New Zealand.
"Immigration Minister Paul Swain has today confirmed that plans to revamp Labour's skilled migrant scheme would not
include provisions to allow migrant fruit-pickers to work in New Zealand," Dr Newman said.
"The Minister has shown that his Government is turning its back on the New Zealand horticultural sector which, in the
past, has relied on migrant workers to fill seasonal labour needs - and which has long called for more enlightened
immigration policies.
"Labour has responded to this sector by telling growers to hire backpackers, tourists, students and WINZ clients -
despite experience showing that this is far from being a viable option.
"Backpackers, students and WINZ workers often move on before the season ends. Without their migrant workforce - who are
skilled in planting, pruning, picking, and who stay for the entire season before returning to their home country -
growers are being left with fruit rotting on the trees because there are not enough suitable workers for harvesting.
"To date, the Labour Government has ignored their plight. I am calling on Mr Swain to show some leadership and
commonsense by introducing a limited purposes visa for horticulture work. It's time for some real management in
immigration," Dr Newman said.
ENDS