A survey By the New Zealand Department of Labour has indicated that 86 per cent of the country’s migrants had experienced New Zealand prior to taking up residency in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Fifty percent of these migrants first spent time in New Zealand working on a temporary New Zealand work permit.

The survey also revealed that two thirds of new migrants already had family and/or friends living in the country prior to immigrating to New Zealand. Moreover, 99 per cent of migrants surveyed declared that New Zealand was their number one destination of choice for immigrations. The vast majority of people also claimed they had no intention of leaving New Zealand in the immediate future.

Skilled migrants proved to be significant assets to the NZ economy, comprising the highest rates of employment and workforce participation, as well as the lowest rate of unemployment, working at the same skill levels as they did in their homeland.

Of the partners of skilled migrants, the majority are employed, and 42 percent hold an advanced vocational or university qualification.

Lesley Haines, Group Manager for Immigration, said the report proves the excellence of the New Zealand immigration and settlement programme, and that it works well to meet the needs of the New Zealand economy:

“The findings in this report suggest that immigration has been good for not only the new residents but also for New Zealand, judging from how well residents have settled and the number of skilled migrants filling shortages in the labour market,” Ms Haines said.

“This research demonstrates that new residents complement the needs of the New Zealand labour force by contributing their valuable skills and experience.

“New migrants also enjoy living here - nearly all of them reported feeling settled and expressed a high level of satisfaction with life in New Zealand.

Moreover, migrants’ endorsement of New Zealand as a desirable destination is reflected by the large proportion that have already recommended and encouraged other family and friends to come to New Zealand.”