File photo: Getty ImagesThe crippling workforce shortages hitting multiple sectors could be about to ease through the Government's extension of working holiday visas. However, the National Party claims Government inaction has meant labour shortages have exacerbated inflation and inflicted further pain on Kiwis. Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram said the changes were positive ahead of the summer season. "Wednesday's monetary policy statement from the Reserve Bank confirmed that labour shortages are the worst they have been in 50 years. It said that the inflationary consequences of labour shortages are even worse than in May when the border was largely closed," she said.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 21, 2022 15:12 UTC