New Zealand's changing workforce
25 January 2007
The barriers facing New Zealand’s migrant and refugee jobseekers are well known, despite their growing contribution to the economy. There is ample research reporting the difficulties migrants and refugees face in their search for decent work. Migrant community groups have also clearly identified the problems they face in accessing employment.
The barriers facing New Zealand’s migrant and refugee jobseekers are well known, despite their growing contribution to the economy. There is ample research reporting the difficulties migrants and refugees face in their search for decent work. Migrant community groups have also clearly identified the problems they face in accessing employment.
Around New Zealand many employers, local authorities, central government agencies and refugee and migrant services are trying to solve the problem of migrant underemployment. NEON has identified a number of schemes that illustrate best practice examples.
What experts do agree on is the lack of a coordinated national approach. NEON believes there needs to be better linkage between the many groups working on behalf of migrants and refugees. Here are some of the main requirements for creating an ethnically diverse workforce that fully utilises the knowledge and skills of new immigrants:
- Leadership from business community representatives and central and local government
- Resources, including a contestable funding scheme, funded centrally
- One-on-one attention to migrants’ pre-employment and job placement needs
- Identification of employers’ requirements
- Support for employers providing migrant work experience placements
- Consultation with migrant groups so their voices are heard
Drivers for change
Employers will have to accept the reality of an ethnically diverse workforce sooner rather than later.
The 2006 Census records that people identifying themselves as Asian form the fastest-growing ethnic group, up almost 50 percent since 2001. There are more than 354,000 Asians living in New Zealand, making up 9.1 percent of the population nationally. Auckland is both the fastest-growing region and has the strongest Asian immigration, with almost a quarter of Auckland City’s population claiming Asian origins.
The second fastest growth rate was recorded among the Pacific population, which grew by 14.7 percent to make up 6.9 percent of the national population.
Almost a quarter of New Zealand residents, or 22.9 percent, were born overseas.
Just over two thirds, or 67 percent of respondents, say they are European.
In response to the Census, Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter said New Zealand could only become culturally and economically richer as its mix of people diversified.
There was enormous competition around the world at the moment to attract skilled migrants. The government had recognised that the best way to draw talented people to New Zealand was to ensure an environment that celebrated and rewarded the contributions they brought, he said.
"The job ahead is to help all New Zealanders learn to understand and appreciate each other so all can participate meaningfully in the affairs of this country and enjoy the benefits of prosperity.”