Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister of Agriculture): This morning I was pleased to announce an additional border exemption for 1,000 additional experienced workers to come to New Zealand for jobs in the dairy and meat processing industries to support the momentum of New Zealand's economic recovery from COVID-19. All of these workers will be paid above the median wage, which ensures that while meeting demands for additional labour we continue to increase wages for those already in the sectors and encourage more Kiwis into these sectors. The border exemptions for meat workers now total 650, which will help to tackle workforce challenges that are crucial for preserving vital supply chains. The addition exceptions for dairy workers brings the total to 800 for the sector, ahead of calving season in June and July. This Government has stood by the primary sector throughout COVID-19 with border exceptions granted for the primary sector second only to those granted in the health sector.