Tightening of immigration rules by the government has New Zealand's already short-staffed trucking industry worried. Under the new rules announced by Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse, migrants would need to earn more than $49,000 to qualify for a skilled worker visa. According to DT Driver Training director Darren Cottingham, most new drivers wouldn't be making $49,000, which could make the already difficult task of finding drivers, harder. "If after three years [overseas drivers] have to have a stand down period if they don't meet the higher salary requirement, then that is going to hurt the industry." Cottingham said while he wasn't sure how big an effect the new rules would have, it was likely to remove an option for the trucking industry which was already struggling.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 19, 2017 23:48 UTC