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Faafoi: Yachties have been warned they shouldn't be coming here

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 22 Sep 2020, 6:51PM
Yachties want to escape the cyclone season - but aren't being allowed here. (Photo / NZ Herald)
Yachties want to escape the cyclone season - but aren't being allowed here. (Photo / NZ Herald)

Faafoi: Yachties have been warned they shouldn't be coming here

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 22 Sep 2020, 6:51PM

The Government has made border exemptions to help industries crying out for workers.

They're allowing up to 30 veterinarians, 570 deep sea fishing crew, and 210 agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operators.

But they've prioritised industries that can demonstrate a plan to attract New Zealanders into their sector.

Immigration minister Kris Faafoi told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's what's needed now.

"When we allow workers in, we want for their sectors transition plans, they've trained up as many people as possible, they've sorted out as many New Zealanders that may be able to do the jobs to fill these vacancies for the next season."

One group struggling to get into the country are yachties - and Faafoi says they shouldn't be coming here. 

Up to 250 boats are asking to be permitted into safety to avoid the Pacific's cyclone season.

The Ocean Cruising Club says it's been told taking refuge from the cyclone season isn't a compelling reason for an exemption to Covid-19 border restrictions.

Faafoi says that they will deal with people if they are in distress, but that any non-New Zealanders need paperwork to come into the country. 

"If you don't have the ability to come in, because you don't have an exemption, then you shouldn't be coming." 

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