Work Permit Australia - Changes to the Horticulture and Viticulture Industries Seasonal Work Permit (SWP) Policy – 2006 Pilot

The Department of Labour established a pilot Seasonal Work Permit (SWP) policy on the 22nd of December, 2005, to address seasonal labour shortages in the horticulture and viticulture industries. To date, the Department has received a positive response in regards to the pilot scheme.

New end date
In anticipation of a labour shortage in some areas, the Department has decided to extend the SWP till the 30th of Septmeber, 2006.

Permits may now be granted until 30 September 2006.

SWP Permit holders will be eligible to extend their permits till the extension date.

New cut-off date for people from a visa-required country
In addition, the Minister of Immigration has announced a new closing date for applications from countries that require entry visas. This does not apply to visa free countries.

New application form for SWP applicants
A new and much simpler form for SWPs will be available on the forms page of this website by 31 March 2006.  The form will also be available through Immigration New Zealand branches. In the meantime, people may still use the form Application to Work in New Zealand (NZIS 1015).

New region declared
The Western Bay of Plenty region has been declared as having a labour shortfall.

Other regions experiencing a labour shortfall include :

• Marlborough
• Nelson
• Central Otago
• Hawke’s Bay 

This list may be modified as the employment situation changes.