New Zealand is grappling with a significant skills shortage in essential sectors such as teaching, healthcare, engineering, and various technical fields. Paul MacKay, the Employment Relations Manager for Business New Zealand, highlighted this pressing issue during the recent Top Executive (TOPEX) Conference at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. His comments were in response to concerns raised by Vinay Narsey, managing director of Narsey’s Plastics Industries Ltd, regarding the country’s immigration and labor policies.
MacKay emphasized that New Zealand is increasingly losing skilled workers to Australia, exacerbating the existing talent gap. He referenced a report released last week, projecting that the nation will face a deficit of approximately 250,000 workers by 2050 if the current trends continue. While New Zealand is producing a growing number of lawyers and professionals in other fields, there is a glaring lack of focus on developing foundational skills necessary for the workforce.
In today’s digital economy, MacKay noted that real technical skills have become crucial for most employers. He also pointed out that, aside from the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) program— which brings in around 20,000 workers—only about 1,000 come from Fiji, with many being absorbed into government roles, telecommunications, health, and education sectors.
MacKay asserted the necessity for exploring regional mobility to address these skill shortages. This approach could potentially enable New Zealand to attract and retain more skilled workers from neighboring regions, ultimately contributing to a more balanced workforce.
While the challenges are significant, there is a hopeful perspective that with focused efforts on skill development and strategic immigration policies, New Zealand can navigate these shortages and foster a more sustainable labor market for the future.
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