Immigration Advocacy

We are pleased to share a critical milestone in our ongoing efforts to safeguard forestry workforce stability: the Silviculture Operator role has now been officially included in the July 2025 National Occupation List (NOL) as a Level 3 role.

This is a major step forward and reflects the value placed on the skills and experience of our silviculture workforce.

Why This Matters

Inclusion in the NOL now allows current Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders in silviculture roles to extend their visas for a further two years. This directly addresses the looming concern that many skilled workers would face a 12-month stand-down period, threatening 2026 work programmes and putting contract deliverability at risk.

Next Steps: Immigration NZ Recognition Still Pending

The formal recognition of the Silviculture Operator role by Immigration NZ (INZ) is still outstanding. FICA has reached out to INZ and MPI for clarification, but no timeline has been provided, and indications suggest this update is not currently a priority. Without INZ recognition, contractors cannot yet leverage the full benefits of the new role for visa extensions.

Advocacy in Action

To expedite progress, FICA has formally written to the Minister of Forestry and the Minister of Immigration, requesting that recognition by INZ be fast-tracked. Our message to Ministers is clear: delays risk the loss of skilled workers and undermine confidence in workforce planning. We are calling for urgent action to ensure clarity for employers and certainty for valued forestry staff.

What You Can Do

• Continue to prioritise workforce retention and support for AEWV holders.

• Stay informed as we provide updates on INZ's recognition of the new role.

• Share any workforce impacts or concerns with FICA so we can advocate effectively.

We remain committed to working alongside you to ensure our workforce is supported by policy settings that are practical, responsive, and future-focused. Thanks again for your dedication and ongoing support.