Brianne West
How big a problem is Covid-19 for your business right now, and what impact do you think it will have in a year’s time? It’s certainly more difficult running a business that exports to 22 countries without being able to visit any of them.
To combat that, last year we did hire some team members for offices based in the United Kingdom and the United States to manage our largest markets.
This has certainly made a difference but the ability to travel is still critical to cement relationships, learn from customers, carry out PR and media events, as well as so many other things we used to do with ease. I am hopeful that in a year’s time – while we won’t be fully open – the world will be a little more accessible.
On the plus side, of course, less travel has benefits for our planet and has proven to sceptical employers that remote, flexible working does work. It just requires a bit of new thinking.
What is one thing the Government can do now to improve the trading and/or operating environment for your business?
I’d like to know what plans there are to boost productivity within New Zealand and grow a green economy.
We need a strong, bold Government
What is one of the main challenges facing your industry over the coming year, and how do you plan to manage it?
Our challenge continues to be Covid-19 but all the signs are positive. We’ve had a massive take-up of our vaccine programme – we always suspected our residents would be keen because they grew up during the polio years and understand the importance of vaccines – but we’ve also had an incredible response from our team members.
Only 1.5 per cent of staff who have been eligible for vaccines have declined. This, and the efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine, gives great cause for optimism.
How big a problem is Covid-19 for your business right now, and what impact do you think it will be having in a year’s time?
All going well, it will be in the rear-view
What is one thing the Government can do now to improve the trading and/or operating environment for your business?
One of the most important things the New Zealand Government could do is look after our migrant workers and ease the pathway for skilled nurses. They’re in short supply.
We have tried and will continue to strive to grow our own local talent but the reality is we need to top up our workforce with skilled people from overseas.
David Surveyor
What is one of the main challenges facing your industry over the coming year, and how do you plan to manage it?
What is one thing the Government can do now to improve the trading and/or operating environment for your business?
The Government’s piecemeal approach to immigration is disappointing, in particular, the recent ‘‘immigration reset’’. Introducing new obstacles to the employment of migrant workers in the red meat sector would have a significant impact.
In 2019, the Government recognised the need for migrant workers in the meat processing industry by selecting the meat industry, along with aged care, to negotiate a sector agreement to allow easier access to migrant workers in return for the pastoral care of migrant workers along with training and upskilling New Zealanders.
However, due to Covid-19, sector agreements were put on hold, and we are urging the Government to progress these.