Immigration
Chamber of Commerce Southland.
Media Release 7 June 2007
NEW IMMIGRATION POLICY.
Yesterday’s release of a new Immigration Policy that proactively
assists skilled migrants to enter New Zealand is highly welcome
says Chamber of Commerce Southland CEO Richard Hay.
He added: “The points system has been in place for four years
now in New Zealand and the new policy - that includes extra points
for work experience and additional points for spouse/partner
qualifications – involves many pragmatic additions.”
“Southland has enjoyed excellent economic growth in recent years
but sustaining that brings its own employment challenges. The
Regional prospects towards an exciting and growing economic future
for our region have the strong possibility of flatting out unless
we have an increase to our skilled work force.”
“Economic growth brings with it a hunger for expanded and
diversified skills and in a time when not just the rest of the New
Zealand but most of the developed world are crying out for more
skilled labour, we need to be innovative and proactive in seeking
out talent,” said Mr. Hay
Noting that the Minister’s policy released yesterday was a first
among a number of initiatives aimed at overcoming skill shortages
and attracting more business migrant investors, he said for the
policy to be successful it will need strong back up with a
communication programme and attitude change.
“The success of this policy will be about the story we tell of
the opportunities we have in this Region and the benefits of
remaining here.”
“If we are to continue to economically grow collectively and
individually as we would like to in Southland we simply have to be
more creative and open in our recruitment policies.”
“The moves made by the new policy changes will be of assistance
to us and are a start to moves in the right direction” he
concluded
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