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Attracting the skills and talent New Zealand needs for economic transformation. Immigration’s key goals. New Zealand has the skills , talent and labour it needs New Zealanders are confident of the security of our border Migrants and refugees settle well and integrate into communities.
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Attracting the skills and talent New Zealand needs for economic transformation
Immigration’s key goals • New Zealand has the skills, talent and labour it needs • New Zealanders are confident of the security of our border • Migrants and refugees settle well and integrate into communities
New Zealand environment • New Zealand is well placed to attract people: • Strong economic growth has underpinned a large rise in employment • Strong job growth - 336,000 new jobs have been created since 2000 (2.1 million people in work) • Low unemployment (3.8%) • Participation rates at an all-time high (65.8%) • Skill shortages across most sectors • Skill shortages are the main constraint on expansion for 15% of businesses
International context • Skill and labour shortages are a global phenomenon in developed countries: • Aging populations • People are more mobile • Increasing international competition for skills eg Australia also marketing in UK, Europe and the US
Government response • The Government has a number of programmes underway to help alleviate skill shortages: • Upskilling and training workers in NZ – industry training, Gateway, Modern Apprenticeships, Industry partnerships • Tailored immigration programmes to better meet labour market needs • New Zealand Now – attracting expats and skilled migrants
Migration trends • 60% of permanent residents in 2004/05 were skilled/business migrants • Main countries permanent residents are from: • UK 41% • South Africa 10% • China 9% • India 7% • Temporary work permit numbers are also growing: • Work permits are up 12% • Labour market tested work permits up 3% • Working holidays are available for up to 40,000 18-30 year olds
Skilled Migrants • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) introduced in 2003 • People with skills, qualifications, experience and language ability to settle quickly • Points-based system • Recognises employer needs for skilled staff • Priority for applicants with job offers
Expats • NZ diaspora more that ½ million – predominantly Australia and the UK • Second largest diaspora in the world – recognise that the OE is part of our culture • Three quarters are either intending to come home or will consider the option of coming home • Are an ideal talent pool: • Educated (44.6% tertiary qualified) • Identify with NZ • Have the skills employers need now
New Zealand Now – approach • ‘New Zealand Now’ brand developed to position NZ as premier destination to live and work • Aims to increase the pool of talent wanting to move to NZ • Provides a talent brand to link NZ offshore recruitment efforts • Complements NZ Inc promotions • Website is centrepiece of the programme - www.newzealandnow.info • Tells people about what NZ offers as a place to live, work and play • Allows them to begin the conversion process
Marketing & communications • Launched programme and website 1 November 2005 • Marketing & PR designed to get people to consider NZ as a place to live and go to the website • Initial focus on UK market – included London Underground advertising, online advertising and PR • Launched into Australia (Sydney) in May 2006 • PR campaign around UK expo in October
Progress • NZ first country to take this kind of marketing approach to attracting expats home • The website has had 23 million hits (120,000 unique visitors) since it was launched a year ago • Department commissioned UK research, June 2006: • 21% of 25-45 year olds indicated at least some interest in moving to NZ • NZ rated very favourably for perceived cost of living, safety and security, stability for bringing up children and lifestyle
Going forward • Build brand awareness – let people know they can come • Strong brand proposition • Simpler immigration processes • Makes industry/regional/business recruitment easier • Link more strongly to NZ Inc in key markets • Promote benefits of welcoming immigrants to NZ • Improving settlement outcomes
NZ Opportunities Expo • The Department has supported these expos since they began in 2002 • Pilot approach this year with NZ ICT industry under the New Zealand Now banner • Positively positioned NZ as a destination for ICT job seekers • Cohesive message about ICT sector • Showcased real jobs, positively positioning NZ as a destination for ICT job seekers