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Home > Our Publications > New Zealand Outlook > 2006> April

NZ STILL SEEKING SKILLED

By Lawrence Johnston

HEALTH professionals, construction and engineering managers and trades people are among workers in high demand in New Zealand. Also badly needed are water and civil engineers, surveyors, civil servants, IT professionals and accountants.
These shortages were highlighted by the country's Department of Labour Regional Manager Andrew Lockhart last month to encourage UK people anxious for a change in lifestyle to consider New Zealand as their destination.
A useful first step is to attend any of the exhibitions which are staged in the UK that showcase New Zealand job opportunities and are attended by New Zealand employers and recruitment and migration experts.
Mr Lockhart said there was no better time for people considering starting a new life in New Zealand. The country had always been an attractive destination for UK migrants, and had grown substantially in recent years as a leading adventure holiday destination. There had been a tradition of people going there to study, holiday and work.
"We want people to continue to come here and enjoy what New Zealand has to offer in terms of scenery, culture and sports, as well as social and work opportunities," he said.
With unemployment at 3.6 per cent, it was a "fantastic" time to go to New Zealand to work.
"There are plenty of opportunities for migrants who have the qualifications that employers are looking for. If you add what New Zealand has to offer in terms of lifestyle, there are compelling reasons for U.K. nationals with the right skills to explore their career options," he said.
The New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme was also a way for 18 to 30 year-olds to sample New Zealand, working in casual jobs or in their own profession.
Under New Zealand's immigration programme, some 30,000 skilled or business residents and their families are accepted for residence every year. There are also a range of temporary work permits available allowing migrants to work for up to three years, during or after which they may also qualify for residence.