Guidance for the primary sector

Vaccination is New Zealand’s key tool in protecting people and minimising the spread of COVID-19.

Getting vaccinated means you’re far less likely to get really sick and need to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19. Vaccinated people are also less likely to pass COVID-19 on to others.

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others, which include face coverings, and physical distancing. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should also be used where required.

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 – COVID-19

Yes. Existing eligibility criteria can be accessed on the Work and Income website.  Self-employed people can also access the Leave Support Scheme.

Leave Support Scheme – Work and Income

The Government has a range of border class exceptions in place for the primary industries. Workers who wish to apply for a visa under a border class exception must first be nominated by MPI.

Information about the Primary Industries Border Class Exceptions [PDF, 240 KB]

These exemptions assist in addressing immediate and seasonal workforce pressures. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is also available to enable employers to hire migrants on visas for up to 3 years. 

Accredited Employer Work Visa – Immigration NZ

Follow official guidance from the Public Health Unit and your Medical Officer of Health.

Further information can be found on the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment websites.

Managing the impact of COVID-19 cases at your business – business.govt.nz

Testing and returning to work during Omicron – business.govt.nz

Before yarding cattle, we recommend speaking to your processor and supply chain partners (such as transporters), as they will have rules and requirements around loading and transporting animals.

Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be directly managed by a local public health unit. 

If you test positive for COVID-19 – COVID-19

Receiving a positive test result – Ministry of Health

We recommend speaking to your processor and supply chain partners (such as transporters), as they will have rules and requirements around loading and transporting animals.

We recommend speaking to your processor and supply chain partners (such as transporters), as they will have rules and requirements around loading, transporting, and processing animals.

There remains no evidence that pets or livestock can spread COVID-19.

However, it’s good practice to wash your hands before and after interacting with animals.

International advice is that, as a precautionary measure, people sick with COVID-19 should avoid contact with pets and other animals, as they would with people.

Mandatory vaccinations are required for some workers to reduce infection and transmission.

Mandatory vaccinations for workers – COVID-19

Vaccinations and employment – Employment NZ