Lower Order Sharemilking In New Zealand

The objective of this paper is to describe the principal features of lower order sharemilking in New Zealand. The paper outlines the nature of sharemilking in general and lower order sharemilking in particular. The legislation underpinning lower order sharemilking and the reasons for it are described. The legislation operates through “Orders” and the paper reports the obligations of employers and sharemilkers under the most recent (2001) Order. Statistics on lower order sharemilkers are presented. A case study shows the nature of the returns to lower order sharemilking. The paper concludes with comments on the likely future of lower order sharemilking in New Zealand. Keywords: Sharemilking, lower order sharemilker, Sharemilking Agreements Act.