Nelson in Focus
Immigration
New Zealand’s immigration policy generally seeks to maintain and enhance the attributes that make New Zealand an attractive place to live and work.
Four main objectives support this general policy:
- Build New Zealand’s human capital
- Strengthen international linkages
- Encourage enterprise and innovation
- Maintain social cohesion
Prospective migrants are considered for residence under three streams: the Skilled/Business Stream (assessed under a points system), the Family/Sponsored Stream, and the international/Humanitarian Stream.
The Local Scene
In Nelson Tasman there were a total of 17,000 new arrivals from 2001-06, offset by a similar number of people departing. Much of the population growth experienced in the past decade has come through migration into the region, which has been running ahead of natural growth. The greatest proportion (two thirds) of inward migration to the region has come from other regions in New Zealand and one third has come from overseas, particularly from the United Kingdom.
Nelson is attractive to overseas nationals seeking residency in New Zealand, largely due to the following factors:
- The unique physical environment of mountains, rivers and sea and the recreational opportunities these provide, which are unavailable in many more heavily populated places around the world
- Climate with high sunshine hours
- The sound economic infrastructure and resource base along with a stable and skilled workforce
- Socially cohesive and harmonious community, without the social problems of larger urban centres
With a rapidly expanding population, Nelson Tasman is increasingly becoming a multicultural community welcoming new residents from all over the world. Nelson has the fourth highest concentration of migrants in New Zealand, and is working to ensure they are welcomed and looked after. A report, ‘Settling In Nelson Tasman’, was published in early 2006 by the Nelson City Council, based on information gathered from refugee and migrant communities by the Family and Community Services section of the Ministry of Social Development for its Settling In Project.
The Nelson Multi Ethnic Council has a key role as an accessible service for people to access support and information for new migrants coming to live in Nelson. A new central government initiative called Settlement Support NZ has been introduced in regions around New Zealand, including Nelson. For more information regarding Settlement Support in Nelson contact Sonny Alesana, Community Liaison Advisor - Settlement Support in Nelson.
Telephone: +64 3 546 0305
Email: sonny.alesana@ncc.govt.nz
Skill Shortage Lists
The Department of Labour Workforce Group has two occupational shortages lists for potential migrants. The Immediate Skill Shortage List aims to facilitate the approval of temporary work visa and permit applications. The Long Term Skill Shortage List identifies those occupations where there is an ongoing shortage of skilled workers both globally and throughout New Zealand. People who gain employment in one of these areas may be granted a work permit, enabling them to apply for residence after two years, with some conditions.
Note that these are not the only entry criteria for migrants. For further information check the Department of Labour Immigration Service. For information on employment and skill shortages in Nelson, click here.
Like to know more?
Immigration information:
www.immigration.govt.nz
Nelson Multi Ethnic Council
www.clicks.org.nz
Fletcher Vautier Moore Lawyers
Chris Royds
PO Box 90, Nelson
126 Trafalgar Street, Nelson
Freephone: 0800 281 469
Fx: + 64 3 548 2994
Email: croyds@fvm.co.nz
Web: www.fvm.co.nz
Pitt & Moore Lawyers
Michael McMellon
Phone:+64 3 545 6710
Mobile: + 64 27 631 3385
Email: michael.mcmellon@pittandmoore.co.nz
Website: www.pittandmoore.co.nz
Malcolm Pacific
Jo Cottrell and Chris McCarthy
Telephone:+64 0800 666 663
Fax: +64 4 499 6559
Email: nelson@malcolmpacific.com
Website: www.malcolmpacific.com
e-Migration Ltd
Peter Croxson and Simon Moore
Telephone: 0800 VISA 4U
E-mail:peter@e-migration.co.nz
Website:www.nzimmigrationexperts.com
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