The meat industry is being encouraged to move beyond quick fixes for labour shortages.

The Meat Workers Union wants it to cut down on overseas workers and employ skilled Kiwis instead.

It follows a recent application for overseas labour by meat processing company, AFFCO Talley.

It's seeking migrant workers for plants in Rangiuru and Wairoa, a district with 600 existing job seekers.

Meat Workers Union National Secretary Graham Cooke told Mike Hosking more needs to be done to attract local workers.

Cooke says they need to work together to grow the industry and benefit local communities.

"There are a lot of workers who are being driven away by the limited hours and poor pay."

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