60011 (2024). Hon Phil Twyford to the Minister of Immigration

60011 (2024). Hon Phil Twyford to the Minister of Immigration: Was the operator of the Manahau vessel required to show they had tried and been unable to recruit New Zealand resident workers before specific purpose work visas were granted to the non-resident workers?

Hon Erica Stanford: I am advised that under the Specific Purpose Work visa (SPWV) category there is no requirement for an employer to produce evidence indicating that they had made attempts to recruit New Zealand resident workers prior to recruiting migrants. However, an immigration officer must be satisfied that the nature of the work or the circumstances surrounding the work are such that it is not possible and/or appropriate for a New Zealand citizen or resident to take up the work. I am also advised that at the time that the SPWV for Manahau vessel were granted, Immigration New Zealand was satisfied that the nature of the work was not possible and/or appropriate for a New Zealand citizen or resident to undertake the work.