PM Jacinda Ardern’s plea to kiwis attracted by Australian government cash

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern scoffs at the Australian government’s plans to lure Kiwi workers to Australia with the promise of a $ 2,000 cash deal.

“It doesn’t add up,” he told reporters this afternoon when asked about the plan.

“The thing to keep in mind is that $ 2,000 to go find a job in another country [but] you still have the quarantine costs of going home, “he said.

His comments were in response to an email sent to New Zealanders, sent through a non-profit hostel, backpackers, and travel organization, which revealed that the government was trying to entice New Zealanders by encouraging them to do their “big OE in OZ “.

The offer, which has been advertised on the Australian government’s job search website, promises Kiwis $ 2,000 if the applicant completes a six-week pickup job (20 hours a week minimum) in the regional areas of Australia.

“From November 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021, relocation assistance will be available for individuals to move in and take jobs in agriculture, including harvest work,” the announcement read.

“You may be eligible for financial assistance to help with travel and lodging costs when you move to take advantage of a short-term farm job opportunity.”

But Ardern said there are still plenty of horticultural jobs available in New Zealand.

“My plea to Kiwis is: there are great jobs, there are great opportunities and we will continue to work on ways to support them in those roles.”

“We are working very hard with our horticultural industry, in particular to find New Zealanders to do those jobs.”

He said the government has been working to make sure conditions are good and people are attracted to work.

“What we need to make it work is the opportunities here in New Zealand and there are many; there is no need to leave.”

The Australian government’s offer comes when a Northland farmer is watching his crops go to waste because his skilled and specialized workforce is unable to enter the country.

“This could be my last crop,” says Northland zucchini grower Brett Heap, who grows zucchini near Waipapa in Northland. “I’m at a point where I won’t go through that again.

“I can accept losing a crop due to weather, disease or water damage. I have a hard time accepting that I am about to leave the industry because the government does not care.”

Horticulture NZ CEO Mike Chapman said last week that it was amazing to face a harvest season with unresolved issues that were known about six months ago.