NZ immigration look to Australia to fill skills shortage

A nationwide skills shortage has officials looking abroad for workers, particularly skilled migrants.

The NZ Job Expo will attempt to fill 2000 immediate vacancies and persuade thousands more to move to the country, where an economic boom is expected to create 50,000 jobs within two years.

New Zealand Immigration deputy chief executive Nigel Bickle said workers were needed in construction, engineering, healthcare, the tech sector and trades.

‘We’re visiting Perth to urge skilled workers to relocate temporarily or permanently,’ he said.

‘Most Australian permanent residents can live and work in New Zealand without a visa.’

The expo is at at Rendezvous Grand Hotel in Scarborough on Saturday and Sunday.