A Rangitikei shearing company has been forced to look overseas to get workers who meet the standard it sets for employees.
Ratima Shearing in Hunterville employs over 40 staff in the busy shearing season.
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But owner Shane Ratima told Magic Talk's Rural Exchange that he had to look overseas for workers.
"We put high expectations on our staff members as far as drugs and character references are concerned."
He said it was difficult to find that calibre of employees locally.
"We are finding that a bit of a challenge going forward, to find the kind of people we want to deliver in our business as far as character is concerned and sourcing it locally," said Ratima.
"We're having to go overseas a fair bit to get these people."
Shane Ratima was Rural Exchange's 'Character of the Country'.
Watch the video to listen to his full interview.
Rural Exchange with Hamish McKay and Richard Loe, 6-8am Saturday and Sunday on Magic Talk.
Newshub.
