Immigration rules are being tweaked to deal with staff and skill shortages in Queenstown.

The changes have been discussed as Cabinet ministers Paula Bennett and Michael Woodhouse have visited the tourist town today.

Mr Woodhouse says temporary changes to immigration rules have been allowed to help relieve pressures during the peak visitor season.

However he says New Zealanders will be at the front of the queue for jobs and training.

It'll only be when they're not available that allowances will be made for foreign staff