Hospitality New Zealand (HNZ) has welcomed moves to allow additional workers to enter the country saying the policy change will make a big difference to hospitality businesses struggling without enough staff.
HNZ Chief Executive, Julie White said that with labour shortages continuing to blight the sector, having access to more staff will definitely help businesses open their doors for more days and for longer each day.
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“And it will help improve the well-being of many owners and operators and their staff who have been working long shifts,” she said.
Ms White said the changes were timely given they will be introduced in time for the up-coming summer season, which many businesses will be relying on most heavily after a winter where lack of staff meant they were turning away customers.
“Giving more certainty to workers already here is essential, while the doubling of the Working Holiday Scheme will help, it is no silver bullet, as the reality is, we have a global war on talent,” she said.
“We have to make sure we are an attractive place to come to and we are open to welcome these visa holders.
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“But it is important we have the right policy settings in place to support the hospitality and tourism sectors’ recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
“Hospitality NZ will continue to work with the Minister of Immigration and his team to ensure they know what policy and regulations are required to keep the industry running efficiently.
“This will require continuously reviewing the settings and planning ahead.”
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.