According to figures released by the Department of Labour (DoL), the number of migrants requiring state benefits in New Zealand has dropped dramatically.

Figures from the DoL show that the number of new migrants requiring benefits from the New Zealand government has fallen from 6.7% in 2001 to 2.3% in 2006, a drop which Immigration Minister David Cunliffe attributes in part to changes that have been made in New Zealand immigration policy.

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A large-scale survey of over 7000 New Zealanders carried out independently by TNS on behalf New Zealand’s government and City Councils has revealed that an overwhelming majority, 90%, are content with the quality of their lives.

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Recruiters have predicted that 2007 will be a bumper year for IT specialists throughout New Zealand, particularly in the nation’s capital, Wellington.

As New Zealand-based employers continue to feel the sting of the country’s skills shortage, positions such as business analysts, Java developers, test analysts, project managers and .Net specialists are in high demand.

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The New Zealand Government is looking at targeting skilled migrants from Asian countries in order to boost the labour market as part of a major overhaul of New Zealand immigration policy.

The New Zealand Cabinet has initiated the move as part of a scheme to insure that the country has enough skilled workers to compete with other OECD countries, particularly in the Information Technology industry.

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A recently published survey carried out by the New Zealand Department of Labour has shown that 88% of migrants are either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with life in New Zealand, with 89% saying they would recommend the country to friends and relatives abroad.

David Cunliffe, New Zealand’s Immigration Minister, stated: “What is really pleasing is the report’s suggestion that the longer skilled migrants are living in New Zealand, the longer they plan to stay here. At the time of gaining residence, 60 percent of migrants planned to stay in New Zealand five years or longer. After a year here, that figure rose to 71 percent.”

Opinions as to what made New Zealand such an appealing destination varied according to the countries from which migrants immigrated. Those from the UK and Ireland claimed that the weather was the primary reason for their love of New Zealand, whilst those from Europe, South Africa and the USA cited the country’s lack of crime as a positive factor. Asian immigrants claimed to favour the country’s small population, education system and career opportunities.