Immigration Policies Crucial for New Zealand's $27 Billion Dairy Export Industry

New Zealand's dairy industry is a significant economic force, contributing 45% of the country's $27 billion export earnings. This sector's success is heavily reliant on a diverse international workforce, as highlighted by Jane Muir, People Team Leader from New Zealand Dairy, at the 2025 IDF World Dairy Summit in Chile. Muir noted that the industry not only 'survives' but 'thrives' due to essential immigration streams.

The dairy sector employs around 41,000 people, with 60% being employees and business owners, yet it faces an ongoing labor shortage. Declining birth rates in rural areas and a preference for urban living among working-age individuals exacerbate this issue, making international workers crucial for maintaining and growing operations and supporting the national milk supply chain.

Immigration is not just a temporary solution but a path to long-term careers in the industry. New Zealand facilitates this through various visa types, allowing international workers to advance from farm assistants to roles like herd manager or farm manager. However, business ownership typically requires residency.

New Zealand Dairy and its partners are dedicated to attracting and retaining talent by creating desirable workplaces and high-quality jobs for workers from all backgrounds. Personal success stories, such as those of Karolina, Marcelo, Summit, and Manoj, who advanced from short-term visas to farm ownership, illustrate the opportunities within dairy farm management.

Despite the uncertainties posed by political shifts in immigration policies, the workforce diversity resulting from such policies fosters resilience and innovation. Muir emphasized the importance of supporting international workers' English proficiency and noted that an international team makes the New Zealand dairy industry 'better and brighter.' The sector continues to invest in initiatives to increase the number of successful local workers over time.