The growth of new dairy farms in New Zealand along with a low unemployment rate has seen farmers become reliant on migrants to provide a guaranteed workforce.

Jocelyn McIlraith, responsible for Rural Women New Zealand’s (RWNZ) Social Issues portfolio, says migrants have become an integral part of the farming industry, particularly in dairying which saw a 36% increase in work visas and permits in the year to June 30, 2009, compared with the 2008 year.

‘These workers, who come from countries as diverse as the Philippines, South Africa and Chile, are making a valuable contribution to the economy.

‘When they arrive, they not only bring their own set of skills but are keen to work and willing to embrace new farming technologies.’

However, RWNZ questions whether enough is being done to help migrants integrate into rural communities.

Migrants often arrive in the middle of winter, which is a challenge in itself. They need to find a supermarket, buy clothing and furniture, find out about medical and dental care and sometimes they have children to enrol in school.

They have to learn about employment contracts, health and safety issues, about how to gain a driver’s licence and where to register a car.

‘These people can struggle with what New Zealanders consider are the basics of everyday life because they often come from countries so culturally different than ours,’ she says. ‘Therefore, they need support.’

One migrant told RWNZ he didn’t know how to use the log fire in the house. Another talked about how he didn’t understand the power account when it arrived.

‘It is so easy to forget to explain these everyday things to new migrants,’ McIlraith says.

There are also social issues to consider. If a farm worker’s partner cannot drive and there is no public transport system, a new family may feel very isolated.

If their English language skills are limited, they won’t know how to find out about community services or social and sporting groups and may not have the confidence to enquire.

Although some migrants are keen to attend English classes, their hours of work often prevent them from doing so.

RWNZ is concerned too about unskilled workers not being covered by our public health system until they have permanent residency or have worked here for 24 months, McIlraith says.

‘Because they have to pay high fees that can mean they won’t seek health care until a health problem becomes quite serious.’

Migrants are covered by ACC if they have a farm accident but employers sometimes overlook telling their immigrant workers about the documentation attached to such accidents.

RWNZ has received some disturbing stories about migrants arriving on farms to inadequately furnished houses and without basic cooking equipment.

‘If we become more aware of all these problems then we will be better employers,’ McIlraith says.

RWNZ would like to see greater value placed on the migrant workforce by trying to make life more comfortable for them when they arrive and by inviting them to participate in rural communities.

With Settlement Support Coordinators around the country and Ethnic Councils in some areas, she says the farming industry should work alongside these people to tap into their knowledge and resources.

Although Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is unable to provide precise data regarding the number of migrant workers employed on farms, it says 39 work visas and permits were issued over the July 1 2008-June 30, 2009, period to individuals for employment on beef farms, 1605 for work on dairy farms, and 34 migrants came to be farm, forestry and garden workers.

The previous year, the figures were 13, 1179 and 17 respectively.