Government’s decision to relax, renew and extend working holiday, essential and seasonal worker visas is a victory for
common sense, says Auckland Business Chamber CEO, Michael Barnett, who has campaigned with other Chambers for urgent
action to allow the employment of a ready and willing workforce whose visas were expired or were waiting for approval to
work here.
“Congratulations to Ministers Nash, Faafoi and O’Connor for their expediency in solving the visa issues that were
crippling the hospitality, accommodation, retail, tourism and primary sectors who could not fill thousands of jobs to
deliver the service, products and quality of experience customers’ demand,” he said.
“Business will be relieved that government has their back. They can plan with some certainty to hire the people they
need to reboot, contribute to economic recovery and extend the reputation and appeal of Brand New Zealand
internationally,” he said.