24 September 2004
Zimbabwe Migrant Policy Backed
Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) applauds new government policies for Zimbabweans living in New Zealand on
temporary permits.
“Many Zimbabweans work on New Zealand farms and this policy change gives them some security that they and their families
can stay," said FFNZ Vice President Charlie Pedersen.
His comments follow the government announcing yesterday that the current arrangements around temporary permits will be
extended; and Zimbabwean citizens who are lawfully in New Zealand but do not qualify for permanent residency permits
will be encouraged to apply under a special policy.
Due to a shortage of farm staff, many farmers are dependent on skilled migrants to help run their businesses.
Previously, many Zimbabwean farmers did not meet the standard to apply for permanent residence.
Mr Pedersen urged all Zimbabweans to ensure their permits were kept up to date, and that the immigration department had
their current address.
"The government should take a similarly proactive look at its policy which defines farm managers as unskilled under
current immigration rules. A classification as unskilled workers makes it very difficult for these valuable people to
work in New Zealand.
"It is ridiculous that people who manage multi-million dollar businesses which contribute a lot to the New Zealand
economy are deemed by the government to be unskilled, yet a person pulling pints behind a bar is considered a skilled
worker.
"The government's policy to define farm management as unskilled shows arrogance and ignorance of the reality of modern
farm management, which requires controlling a complex biological system using an array of technology, skills, and
equipment," Mr Pedersen said.
ENDS