The squeeze on MIQ spots has put the squeeze on the agricultural industry desperate for overseas workers to take up roles as skilled machinery operators.
The government announced in December 200 MIQ vouchers would be available for skilled machinery operators to help with the busy autumn harvest.
But that's fast approaching and so far not a single worker has managed to secure an MIQ voucher.
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor declined to be interviewed, but in a statement said: "We've been well aware of the challenges for rural contractors and have been working with them for a couple of years in addressing them - hence getting the 200 border class exemption for 2022 that was announced in December, along with the 125 for 2021.
"Omicron has cut across what was a good plan. In the face of that we are working with the sector to get machinery operators through the border as soon as possible and in time for the peak of the autumn harvest."
Rural Contractors NZ Southland board member Daryl Thompson talks to Lisa Owen.
