Builder shortage leads to overseas recruitment

Tradestaff's managing director Kevin Eder says the company has put together a package that includes accommodation and an airfare refund for carpenters who come to New Zealand for more than three months.

Staff recruited from offshore would work four days on, three days off, giving them a chance to enjoy the recreational activities offered in Canterbury, he said.

Advertisements for the programme will target Australia and the UK, he said, and will go out on the internet, as well.

He said the company routinely brings in carpenters and other qualified builders from around the country, but the shortages are particularly acute now.

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