The new Working Holiday Visa Scheme provides the opportunity for young people aged from 18 to 30 the chance to travel to New Zealand and undertake employment during their stay.

The scheme will go live from 29th March.

This scheme will give visa holders casual working rights in order to supplement their travels; however, any work undertaken must be incidental and to the conditions stipulated on the visa.

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New Kiwi working holiday visa scheme announced

The Minister of Immigration has announced that two new retirement visa policies will come into effect on 29th March 2010.

These are the Temporary Retirement Category and the Parent Retirement Category (residence).

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New Zealand announces new retirement visa

According to new figures, New Zealand's immigration levels are now at a five year high, leading to increases in consumer spending and demand for housing - both key means of boosting the economy.

The number of new migrants exceeded the number of those leaving by 22,588 in the 12 months to the end of January, according to figures compiled by Statistics New Zealand. This is the biggest increase since 2004.

According to analysts, maintaining high immigration levels is a key means of boosting the economy. Philip Borkin, an economist at Goldman Sachs JBWere Ltd, agrees with this strategy and says that 'Net migration remains a critical leg of support for the economic cycle'.

Although the New Zealand economy appears to be shaking off the recession, Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard has said that he is unlikely to raise the official cash rate from a record-low 2.5 percent until mid-2010 when he is sure that the economic recovery is sufficiently advanced.

As covered here, the new Silver Fern Visa will go live in April 2010. The idea behind the policy is to make it easier for young skilled people to emigrate to New Zealand without a huge amount of experience; instead they can gain that experience upon their arrival in the country.

If you want to live in New Zealand, are aged 20 to 35 and hold a national diploma, bachelor degree or trade qualification with at least two years experience, then Silver Fern is for you.

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Silver Fern visa update

Retail sales in New Zealand rose in the fourth quarter at the fastest rate for two years, on the back of low interest rates, a new report has shown.

Rising immigration and house prices also added to the increase in consumer confidence. The economy started growing in the second quarter of  2009, with the fourth quarter seeing growth of 0.6%.

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Rise in retail sales points to growing NZ economy

In further recognition of New Zealand’s growing economy, the country has been ranked as 4th out of 179 countries in the 2010 Index of Economic Freedom, released by the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal on 20 January. The score is up one from last year’s ranking and has been cited by economists as further evidence of New Zealand’s upward economic trajectory.

Australia also did well, managing to pip New Zealand by one point to make 3rd place.

The Index of Economic Freedom assesses factors such as property rights, the rule of law, ease of starting businesses (one day in New Zealand, two in Australia - the world average is 35 days), strong and open financial sectors, corruption levels, flexible labour arrangements, free trade and inflation levels.

New Zealand’s retail sales rose for a fourth month in November as signs point to continuing economic recovery.

According to Reuters, sales increased 0.8% from October when they gained a revised 0.1% - seasonally adjusted. Core retail sales, which exclude car yards, fuel outlets and workshops, advanced 0.8%.

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New Zealand's economy continues to grow

Working Holiday Visa applications are on the increase according to a report by the Department of Labour.

For the year ending June 2009, over 40,000 people made an application for a Working Holiday Visa, up 13% from the previous year.

The viticulture, agriculture and horticulture industries all rely on temporary labour during the crucial harvest time period.

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New Zealand sees 13% rise in working holiday applicants

Rakiura Rugrats is a preschool on New Zealand's Stewart Island, described as being "at the ends of the earth".

The previous teacher left in November and parents on the island are keen to find a replacement in order to cater for the twelve pupils or "Rakiura Rugrats", all aged under five. Seven more children are due to join the school shortly.

Stewart Island is a largely unspoilt island, 1746sq km in size, supporting only about 400 people, with winters averaging 9C - mild by UK standards.

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Teacher wanted for remote Kiwi island

New Zealand's horticulture and viticulture industries have experienced an all time high in overseas seasonal workers.

40,348 seasonal and working holiday applications were received by the Department of Labour in the 2009 tax year.

More seasonal work permits are being granted each year. In the 2007/08 season there were 35,644, up from 33,051 in 2006/07, 29,006 (2005/06), 21,447 (2004/05) and only 6,157 in 1997/1998.