The skilled worker and volunteer programme

Wrapping up at the end of June 2017, the MPI-run skilled worker and volunteer programme benefited from a $0.6 million investment to get the right skill levels on damaged farms. The existing 0800 number from Federated Farmers was harnessed to gather requests for and offers of help; and AgStaff was engaged to recruit, train and manage the workers and volunteers.

The existing 0800 number from Federated Farmers was harnessed to gather requests for and offers of help. AgStaff was engaged to recruit, train and manage the workers and volunteers.

Most requests were for fencing, followed by general farm or building work to effect temporary repairs. 64 farms have been assisted, mostly for fencing. The end of the programme coincided with the wind down of farm repair work needing to stop in winter/wet conditions.