A new proposal from the National Party to help get more workers into the primary sector has received a tentative endorsement from the dairy industry.

The Opposition wants to introduce a primary sector visa, as well as extend the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.

Dairy NZ chief executive Tim Mackle told Mike Hosking it's early days, but it sounds like a good plan.

"The issue of finding good staff is key - finding truck drivers in this country is difficult. Migrant workers play a really important part in our country and our dairy sector."

Mackle says he's told the government that rural areas need to be treated differently to cities.

He says his first priority is to get more New Zealanders into jobs, but it is difficult in the dairy sector.

"No matter which case you look at it, there aren't enough Kiwis in rural areas. Population is so low in places like Ashburton."

Mackle says that as the dairy industry is global, it's enriching to have a multicultural work force.

 

 

• National Party focuses on primary sector with visa proposal