News, views and immigration opinions.
The latest news, views and opinions on New Zealand immigration policy and process.
Come for a Holiday. Stay for a Lifetime?
New Zealand has always been reasonably good at selling itself as a holiday destination - it’s almost effortless. Spectacular scenery, friendly people, a reasonably relaxed lifestyle and the opportunity to explore a country that, for many international visitors, feels a world away from home.
Have We Overcomplicated Skilled Migration?
There is something rather fascinating about New Zealand's more recent approach to skilled migration. Every time we identify a problem with the system, we appear to introduce another pathway to try and solve it. We have points, qualifications, occupational registration, wages, work experience, occupation lists, lists of occupations that qualify and, increasingly, lists of occupations that don't.
The 2026 Election
I remember when I was younger, and the latest movie was being released at the cinema (yes I am showing my age) and we would all be filled with anticipation, waiting for the weekend to roll around. As you get older the things you eagerly anticipate tend to change although they come with just as much theatrical entertainment.
Jobs for Sale, Dreams for Profit
New Zealand has a rather interesting relationship with immigration. We need migrants to fill skill shortages, support businesses, contribute to our economy and, increasingly, help fund our international education sector. We spend considerable time and money promoting New Zealand as an attractive destination to work, study and potentially settle long-term, competing with other countries in the process.
How Valuable Are Values?
I owe the inspiration for this article to an industry colleague, who discussed this same topic on LinkedIn recently and it really did get me thinking. There is something wonderfully predictable about immigration becoming a political talking point in an election year and there is enormous entertainment value in watching all of our political leaders suddenly realising they have the “secrete sauce” that will make our immigration system better, faster, and more valuable.
I Can't Get No Satisfaction
The Rolling Stones famously complained about their inability to get satisfaction and having read that line, you now probably have that song in your head. For many New Zealand visa applicants, that frustration will sound remarkably familiar to the tune, although the source of their dissatisfaction is very different.
ey do.
Dear Minister
Dear Future Minister of Immigration
I do not know who you are yet. You may be the current Minister, still occupying the office after November election or you may be her replacement. You may come from National, Labour, ACT, New Zealand First, the Greens, or whoever else might end up in the political mix.
Whoever you are, this letter is intended for you.
The New Zealand Job Market
If you are currently looking for a job in New Zealand, you probably do not need an economist or a subscription to the New Zealand Herald, to tell you that the labour market has been difficult. You already know how challenging it is. You know because you have probably applied for jobs and heard nothing back.
Try New Zealand Before You Buy
Moving countries, lock, stock and barrel is a fairly ridiculous way to find out whether you like somewhere. People sell houses, resign from jobs, pull children out of schools, say goodbye to family and ship the contents of their homes halfway around the world, often on the strength of social media commentary or the fact they enjoyed the Lord of the Rings movies.
Real people. Clear, practical advice.
People you can talk to
Tell us about your plans, circumstances and the details that matter the most to you.
Clear, simple advice
Make sense of your immigration options and the details that matter the most.
A managed process
We take care of all of the details, from the very start to the successful finish.