New Zealand Herald - NZ faces tough competition for migrants - Thursday 08, September 2005 21:49.00 PM - National News

New Zealand Herald - NZ faces tough competition for migrants - Thursday 08, September 2005 21:49.00 PM - National News: "New Zealand will face tough competition from other countries in a worldwide shortage of skilled labour that is only going to get worse, say immigration experts.

The Department of Labour told an immigration conference this year that 70 million people would retire in OECD countries over the next 25 years to be replaced by just five million workers.

Paul Spoonley, a Massey University professor of sociology, told the Herald the loss of working age populations was going to be enormous in some countries.

The United States was forecasting a shortage of seven to 10 million workers within 20 years, he said.

Professor Spoonley said that in New Zealand the fertility rate of 1.9 was well below the replacement level of 2.1 children per childbearing-aged women.

The country was going to have to compete to attract skilled workers with other countries such as Australia and Canada.

'New Zealand is already struggling to keep up as regards salary levels and the competition is only going to increase for all advanced economies.'

But Professor Spoonley said New Zealand sent mixed messages to countries such as China and India, where most future skilled workers would have to be recruited from. Some English language requirements had been perceived as racist. "

New Zealand's Information Network: Emmigration

New Zealand's Information Network: Emmigration: "the weather in the top of the South Island is a dry heat compared to the upper North Island which is a more humid heat. Honestly, about the only 'town' that gets snow at its doorstep during winter is pretty much Queenstown! Have you considered Christchurch? Beautiful in the Summer but winters are definately brisk and cold but no snow or slush on the ground! If you are wanting warmer weather I would definately recommend you visit Marlborough (Blenheim) and Nelson during Summer, but I must say that Blenheim had the best winters, mornings were very frosty and minus degree but clear blue sky days - utterly lovely with hardly a grey, wet day in sight!"

New Zealand's Information Network: Emmigration

New Zealand's Information Network: Emmigration: "lived in Blenheim for many years (which is just over the hill from Nelson) and I have family who have lived there all their life and I love going to visit them. House prices went really crazy up that way for awhile but I hear they are dropping very fast (which is a relief!). Nelson is known for its arts and crafts and every weekend has an awesome market area in the centre of the town.

The weather is really great during the summer and very hot however it can be very wet during winter and there are some amazing nearby beaches.

It's a lovely place if you enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle."

New Zealand Immigration Information

New Zealand Immigration Information: "New Zealand, Aotearoa - Land of the Long White Cloud, string of pearls in the South Pacific.
For those who visited her an unforgettable experience. Stunning landscapes of lush forests and white beaches, majestic mountain ranges and fertile plains are home to a unique and dynamic culture.

Based on Maori, European, Pacific and Asian cultures, New Zealand's society is not just multi-cultural and multi-racial. It's an impressive mix of open and friendly people, inviting you wholeheartedly to share the celebration of every day Kiwi-life."