The Government has previously indicated that extra MIQ space created by the trans-Tasman bubble would likely be used bring in more economic migrants, plugging skill shortages in areas identified by the Government. “The Government and food and fibre sector have been working hard to mitigate worker shortages by training and up-skilling New Zealanders, but there is still the need for additional labour,” Hipkins said. “This decision should see around 2400 more RSE workers entering New Zealand in time for next summer’s harvest season and pruning this winter. This is in addition to the 7300 RSE workers currently in the country, including the 2000 the Government approved to support the horticulture and viticulture industries during the recent summer harvest seas