There was also doubt in Central Otago and Queenstown, where a lack of worker accommodation was raised as one of the biggest issues facing employers.
Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway's proposals are open for public consultation until March 18.
They aim to make it easier for regions and industries to get the workers they need; ensure access to work visas is better matched to where there is genuine and high-need skills; and provide ''more incentives'' and support for businesses to employ more Kiwis.
However, Queenstown's Penny Clark, who has more than 35 years' hotel experience, said she did not understand what the Government had announced.
''Your first reaction ... is 'is that meaning more hoops for us to fly through for us to prove we can't find a Kiwi in town?'''
She wondered if Mr Lees-Galloway's reference to addressing ''long-term structural issues'' so sectors or industries did not become reliant on migrant labour meant ''housing, a health system, [and] an education system''.
''I just sort of really [wonder], is this a Christmas fluffy?''
Central Otago Winegrowers Association president James Dicey was worried the proposal could result in increased compliance burdens on employers and also said it did not address infrastructure issues, like housing, in Central Otago.
''There is no rental accommodation down here.''
''Our ability to attract, recruit and retain Kiwis or migrants, regardless of skill shortages, is significantly hampered by the lack of housing infrastructure.
Queenstown Chamber of Commerce board chairman Craig Douglas also raised worker accommodation and affordability issues as a major issue which would ''continue to put up barriers to getting a workforce here''.
Seasonal Solutions chief executive Helen Axby, of Alexandra, supported the proposed changes, provided they made the process for employers more streamlined. To date, this had been ''extremely complex''.
Both Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan and Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult were supportive. Mr Cadogan said any moves to make the process to address shortages ''more nimble and responsive can only be a good thing'', while Mr Boult said the plan was ''a big positive''.
''It is aimed at making immigration easier for workers with certain skills and we all know that we have virtually no unemployment in Queenstown Lakes District, so anything that eases the ability for local employers to get good, skilled workforces is a positive from where we sit,'' Mr Boult said.
Announcements on final decisions are expected by mid-2019.
