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The Grapevine Backpackers manager Harleigh Lawrinson-Thettoe says Immigration NZ has been giving conflicting advice to workers that has prevented many from being able to work.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has apologised after admitting some backpackers on working holiday visa extensions were given incorrect advice by contact centre staff that led to them not working for three months. INZ’s botch-up has caused industries that rely on seasonal workers to miss out on critical labour at a time when there are serious shortfalls. Harleigh Lawrinson-Thettoe, of The Grapevine Backpackers in Blenheim, helps place backpackers in seasonal work around Marlborough and said INZ had been giving conflicting advice to workers that had prevented many from being able to work.