Ex-truckies are being asked to come out of retirement or do part-time work in the event of permanent drivers catching Omicron. 

There have been shortages of food in Australia, because truckies have fallen ill and haven't been able to transport goods around the country. 

Transporting New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett says Roman Travers driving a large truck takes a lot of skill so it takes years to train people. 

He says they're trying to build a list of relief drivers who could be called on in an emergency. 

"Maybe doing another job, they maybe used to drive or are working another sector. They could lend themselves, just with a shift here and there.” 

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