The Dairy industry is a major export sector and driver of economic growth. However the poor image of parts of the industry impacts on its ability to attract the necessary skills.

The Department has established a reference group to develop a whole of organisation approach to work with the dairy sector. The goal is to maximise service delivery and economic outcomes for the industry, and we will align our work to the Dairy Strategy released in 2009 by Dairy NZ.

The aim will be to develop a skills action plan which will address skills and labour supply in different parts of the industry. For example, to address labour retention concerns, the department will promote improved human resource management skills, and supply relevant labour market information and research.

• The Strategy for New Zealand Dairy Farming [External Link]