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30th September 2021 The one-off residence pathway for migrants announced by the New Zealand Government is a significant boost for the meat processing and exporting sector.
“The residence pathway will deliver much-needed certainty for our people and support the industry to continue maximising export revenue for the benefit of New Zealand,” says Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
“Without this pathway, many of our people, including halal butchers, faced losing their right to stay in New Zealand.
“These roles are critical to supporting employment for thousands of other employees in the red meat sector, mainly in the regions, and the Government has clearly listened to our concerns.
“Halal processing is a core part of the New Zealand meat processing industry with approximately 43 per cent of New Zealand total red meat exports halal certified for Muslim consumers in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries.
“Without halal butchers, there is a real potential that plants would be forced to reduce value-add processing or decide to not save certain products.
“That means less revenue for companies, farmers and the New Zealand economy. Halal processing generates over $3 billion of value-add halal certified meat products.
“However, this decision is only part of the solution. The industry is seeking a more permanent solution that would facilitate the entry of migrant halal butchers such as a special visa category for them.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact
Sirma Karapeeva 021 256 5347
Notes to editor
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (Incorporated) (‘MIA’) is the voluntary trade association representing processors, marketers, and exporters of New Zealand red meat, rendered products, and hides and skins. MIA members represent 99 percent of domestic red meat production and export. The red meat industry is a critical part of New Zealand’s economy, and the second largest goods exporter. It is New Zealand’s largest manufacturing industry employing some 25,000 people in about 60 processing plants, mainly in the regions.