Green list ‘short-term fix’

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) has welcomed the addition of two automotive roles to NZ Immigration’s green list but warns more work needs to be done to solve the skills shortage affecting many businesses across the industry.

Its message comes after the government added 17 new roles, including collision repairers and automotive refinishers, to the green list, which provides a work-to-residence pathway to help address labour shortages.

Lee Marshall, MTA’s chief executive, says the association has worked in collaboration with the Collision Repair Association (CRA) to advocate for government to include the latest automotive roles.

“We know the skilled labour shortage is the number-one issue facing many of our members,” Marshall, pictured, explains.

“It’s causing financial and emotional stress for many business owners, who face longer hours, delaying their retirement, even closure in some cases.

“These roles are also crucial for keeping Kiwis safe on the roads, and ensuring repairs are carried out quickly and professionally, so we thank the government for listening to us.”

According to the CRA’s latest data, the sector needs about 1,000 collision repairers and refinishers. The lack of suitable employees at present means vehicle repairs can take between six and 12 weeks.

The MTA is urging the next government to address a number of issues across the automotive industry in its “call to action”, Driving New Zealand Forward.

Among its appeals is for the processing of overseas applications from people with job offers to be sped up and simplified because MTA members say it can currently take months for an application to be processed.

Marshall adds the green list additions are also only a short-term solution to the problems facing businesses.

“The green list is a welcome short-term fix. But employers want to hire local talent and give up-and-coming young Kiwis a step into the industry.

“At the moment, we just don’t have the number of good apprentices that employers need. We need some answers, direction and involvement with Te Pukenga, which to an outside eye is in a state of confusion.

“We need automotive businesses to have a greater say and involvement in how training is developed and run. 

“MTA previously had representatives on the board of MITO and we were supportive of the move to Te Pukenga, and what was originally sold as increased voice and representation in the vocational system. In reality, the opposite has been true – we have probably never been further away.”

Marshall also says the Apprenticeship Boost scheme, which pays employers $500 a month for first and second-year apprentices, should be extended.

He notes it has helped more than 60,000 apprentices to secure roles across a range of industries but is due to finish at the end of next year. 

“There is no doubt the government could get better bang for buck with a system targeted to role types in shortage,” he says.

“We’ve urged all political parties to remove the uncertainty and make it permanent – it works.”