OMEGA defines skilled immigrants as individuals who have moved to New Zealand with international degree equivalent qualifications, and/or work experience. OMEGA’s programmes support those skilled immigrants who have not had an opportunity to gain New Zealand work experience.

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OMEGA defines skilled immigrants as individuals who have moved to New Zealand with international degree equivalent qualifications, and/or work experience. OMEGA’s programmes support those skilled immigrants who have not had an opportunity to gain New Zealand work experience.

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Skilled immigrants are an important source of talent to address the short and long term skill shortages experienced by almost 40% of New Zealand companies, including those in Auckland. A prediction by international economists, is that by 2025 there will be a 'demographic fault-line', with a consequent decline in the global supply of labour and skills.  This is because international demand will exceed supply and the skilled baby boomer generation will be on the decline.  The need for skilled workers will never be greater. New Zealand companies will be adversely affected, and will be competing globally to attract scarce internationally qualified professionals. 

As New Zealand’s economic mainstay, Auckland needs to be preparing for this.  One of the most obvious ways, is to attract professionals who have been trained and have experience in other countries.   Auckland already attracts international talent with 37% of Aucklanders not born in New Zealand.  Immigrant talent is here and committed. But we are yet to effectively tap into the resources and talent offered by skilled immigrants right on our doorstep.  Because of the real barriers to entering the workplace,  “nearly 50% of all skilled migrants to New Zealand are inactive, unemployed or confined to jobs for which they are over-qualified” (OECD, International Migration Outlook, 2007). Getting skilled immigrants into appropriate jobs is both an instant lift to productivity and innovation, and also opens up local jobs for other semi-skilled people. 

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Skilled immigrants are an important source of talent to address the short and long term skill shortages experienced by almost 40% of New Zealand companies, including those in Auckland. A prediction by international economists, is that by 2025 there will be a 'demographic fault-line', with a consequent decline in the global supply of labour and skills.  This is because international demand will exceed supply and the skilled baby boomer generation will be on the decline.  The need for skilled workers will never be greater. New Zealand companies will be adversely affected, and will be competing globally to attract scarce internationally qualified professionals. 

As New Zealand’s economic mainstay, Auckland needs to be preparing for this.  One of the most obvious ways, is to attract professionals who have been trained and have experience in other countries.   Auckland already attracts international talent with 37% of Aucklanders not born in New Zealand.  Immigrant talent is here and committed. But we are yet to effectively tap into the resources and talent offered by skilled immigrants right on our doorstep.  Because of the real barriers to entering the workplace,  “nearly 50% of all skilled migrants to New Zealand are inactive, unemployed or confined to jobs for which they are over-qualified” (OECD, International Migration Outlook, 2007). Getting skilled immigrants into appropriate jobs is both an instant lift to productivity and innovation, and also opens up local jobs for other semi-skilled people. 

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The work of OMEGA is needed, because it is helping Auckland prepare for the future and respond to existing labour market shortfalls.  The barriers that skilled immigrants face when trying to enter our job market are systemic in nature and therefore OMEGA is facilitating a system-wide business led response to the predicted forthcoming skill shortage. This response involves all stakeholders and all levels of government working together on the issue, but it does have a particular emphasis on corporate businesses as key change agents regarding how and who we employ as a country. OMEGA and its network of partners understand that real economic success will be achieved by our collective actions to attract and enable skilled immigrants to fully utilise their skills in the New Zealand workplace.  Within this broader systemic mobilisation, OMEGA provides Auckland business professionals and organisations with an opportunity to individually play their part and make a difference in the short and long term.

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The work of OMEGA is needed, because it is helping Auckland prepare for the future and respond to existing labour market shortfalls.  The barriers that skilled immigrants face when trying to enter our job market are systemic in nature and therefore OMEGA is facilitating a system-wide business led response to the predicted forthcoming skill shortage. This response involves all stakeholders and all levels of government working together on the issue, but it does have a particular emphasis on corporate businesses as key change agents regarding how and who we employ as a country. OMEGA and its network of partners understand that real economic success will be achieved by our collective actions to attract and enable skilled immigrants to fully utilise their skills in the New Zealand workplace.  Within this broader systemic mobilisation, OMEGA provides Auckland business professionals and organisations with an opportunity to individually play their part and make a difference in the short and long term.

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A recent Department of Labour study showed that immigrants contributed 68% more in taxes than they received in benefits compared to 13% for New Zealand born people. The immigrant population had a positive net fiscal impact of $3.3 billion in 2005/06 (NZ–born population $2.8 billion). It is more difficult to quantify other aspects such as innovation, but drawing on overseas examples, it can be fairly confidently said that the diversity immigrants bring with them does lift innovation and also productivity: In the USA, more than half of Silicon Valley start-ups were founded by immigrants over the last decade, employing 450,000 people with sales of $52 billion in 2005.  So for Auckland, recognising and effectively managing skilled immigrants and their diversity means a productive, vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

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A recent Department of Labour study showed that immigrants contributed 68% more in taxes than they received in benefits compared to 13% for New Zealand born people. The immigrant population had a positive net fiscal impact of $3.3 billion in 2005/06 (NZ–born population $2.8 billion). It is more difficult to quantify other aspects such as innovation, but drawing on overseas examples, it can be fairly confidently said that the diversity immigrants bring with them does lift innovation and also productivity: In the USA, more than half of Silicon Valley start-ups were founded by immigrants over the last decade, employing 450,000 people with sales of $52 billion in 2005.  So for Auckland, recognising and effectively managing skilled immigrants and their diversity means a productive, vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

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Yes, local and central government are key OMEGA stakeholders. They are actively involved in supporting OMEGA’s Inter Government Relations Group and continue to support in many other areas as well.

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Yes, local and central government are key OMEGA stakeholders. They are actively involved in supporting OMEGA’s Inter Government Relations Group and continue to support in many other areas as well.

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At present, OMEGA’s programmes are Auckland based. The majority of immigrants who come to New Zealand, come to Auckland, and so the current focus is to ensure that OMEGA delivers a successful model here before expanding throughout the country. However, the majority of OMEGA’s funding partners are national organisations, so the plan is to see the programmes do the same. Already other cities are benefiting from the efforts of Auckland-based mentors, as through their help, immigrants have found employment in Whangarei, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington.

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At present, OMEGA’s programmes are Auckland based. The majority of immigrants who come to New Zealand, come to Auckland, and so the current focus is to ensure that OMEGA delivers a successful model here before expanding throughout the country. However, the majority of OMEGA’s funding partners are national organisations, so the plan is to see the programmes do the same. Already other cities are benefiting from the efforts of Auckland-based mentors, as through their help, immigrants have found employment in Whangarei, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington.

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OMEGA fully supports the practice of mentors providing references for their mentees, where they are comfortable to do so.  As the mentor has probably never worked directly with the mentee, it is advised that mentors should present a clear picture of the nature of the relationship, stating how long they have known the individual, what behaviours they have observed during that period of time, the mentee’s level of proactivity, organisational skills, aptitude for learning, and willingness to accept feedback.

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OMEGA fully supports the practice of mentors providing references for their mentees, where they are comfortable to do so.  As the mentor has probably never worked directly with the mentee, it is advised that mentors should present a clear picture of the nature of the relationship, stating how long they have known the individual, what behaviours they have observed during that period of time, the mentee’s level of proactivity, organisational skills, aptitude for learning, and willingness to accept feedback.

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Responses from OMEGA’s programme participants indicate that the main barriers that skilled immigrants face are:

• A lack of New Zealand work experience;
• A lack of professional networks and social capital;
• A lack of information regarding the specific industry they are skilled in and how it works in New Zealand;
• A lack of recognition of international qualifications and/or the opportunities to upgrade these;
• Insufficient understanding of how to navigate the New Zealand employment process;
• The challenging requirement for specialists to adapt to more generalist work roles;
• A lack of New Zealand specific English terminology; and
• A lack  of confidence in a new environment.

Most skilled immigrant work seekers have a positive 'can do' attitude.  What they lack is the 'know how' pertinent to this context.

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Responses from OMEGA’s programme participants indicate that the main barriers that skilled immigrants face are:

• A lack of New Zealand work experience;
• A lack of professional networks and social capital;
• A lack of information regarding the specific industry they are skilled in and how it works in New Zealand;
• A lack of recognition of international qualifications and/or the opportunities to upgrade these;
• Insufficient understanding of how to navigate the New Zealand employment process;
• The challenging requirement for specialists to adapt to more generalist work roles;
• A lack of New Zealand specific English terminology; and
• A lack  of confidence in a new environment.

Most skilled immigrant work seekers have a positive 'can do' attitude.  What they lack is the 'know how' pertinent to this context.

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Diversity of culture and its interface with workplace productivity is perhaps best explained by a quote from international economist and columnist Phillipe Legrain, who visited Auckland in May 2009:   "Most innovations nowadays come not from individuals, but from groups of talented people sparking off each other – and foreigners with different ideas, perspectives and experiences add something extra to the mix. If there are ten people sitting around a table trying to come up with a solution to a problem and they all think alike, then they are no better than one [person]. But if they all think differently and bounce new ideas and reactions off one another, they can solve problems better and faster."

It can be fairly confidently said that the benefits that diversity of culture brings to our country include innovation, vibrancy, a global-orientation and productivity. Drawing on an example from the USA, more than half of Silicon Valley start-ups were founded by immigrants over the last decade, employing 450,000 people with sales of $52 billion in 2005. So recognising and effectively engaging skilled immigrants and their diversity means a productive, vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

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Diversity of culture and its interface with workplace productivity is perhaps best explained by a quote from international economist and columnist Phillipe Legrain, who visited Auckland in May 2009:   "Most innovations nowadays come not from individuals, but from groups of talented people sparking off each other – and foreigners with different ideas, perspectives and experiences add something extra to the mix. If there are ten people sitting around a table trying to come up with a solution to a problem and they all think alike, then they are no better than one [person]. But if they all think differently and bounce new ideas and reactions off one another, they can solve problems better and faster."

It can be fairly confidently said that the benefits that diversity of culture brings to our country include innovation, vibrancy, a global-orientation and productivity. Drawing on an example from the USA, more than half of Silicon Valley start-ups were founded by immigrants over the last decade, employing 450,000 people with sales of $52 billion in 2005. So recognising and effectively engaging skilled immigrants and their diversity means a productive, vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

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Immigration policies dictate that Kiwi workers have precedence over immigrant workers.  However, figures show that we do not have the number of skilled workers we require in New Zealand, and neither are returning Kiwis plugging all the gaps.  Also, whilst many skilled Kiwis may be returning to New Zealand, many are also leaving.  In spite of all the coming and going, the reality is, that nearly 40% of New Zealand businesses are currently skill short.  Given this shortage, OMEGA believes it is more important and strategic for the future of our country, to protect and support Kiwi businesses as they generate Kiwi jobs, rather than focusing on whether or not job applicants are considered Kiwi.  What this means is supporting organisations to employ the right skills to grow their business, rather than focusing on the particular nationality of the person who has those skills.

A further point worth knowing, is that Auckland already is home to foreign talent with more than one in three residents born offshore. Immigrant talent is here and committed. However we are yet to effectively tap into the skills these Aucklanders offer, as “nearly 50% of all skilled migrants to New Zealand are inactive, unemployed or confined to jobs for which they are over-qualified” (OECD, International Migration Outlook, 2007). Getting people into relevant jobs is both an instant lift to productivity, and opens up jobs for other semi-skilled people.

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Immigration policies dictate that Kiwi workers have precedence over immigrant workers.  However, figures show that we do not have the number of skilled workers we require in New Zealand, and neither are returning Kiwis plugging all the gaps.  Also, whilst many skilled Kiwis may be returning to New Zealand, many are also leaving.  In spite of all the coming and going, the reality is, that nearly 40% of New Zealand businesses are currently skill short.  Given this shortage, OMEGA believes it is more important and strategic for the future of our country, to protect and support Kiwi businesses as they generate Kiwi jobs, rather than focusing on whether or not job applicants are considered Kiwi.  What this means is supporting organisations to employ the right skills to grow their business, rather than focusing on the particular nationality of the person who has those skills.

A further point worth knowing, is that Auckland already is home to foreign talent with more than one in three residents born offshore. Immigrant talent is here and committed. However we are yet to effectively tap into the skills these Aucklanders offer, as “nearly 50% of all skilled migrants to New Zealand are inactive, unemployed or confined to jobs for which they are over-qualified” (OECD, International Migration Outlook, 2007). Getting people into relevant jobs is both an instant lift to productivity, and opens up jobs for other semi-skilled people.

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Skilled immigrants face unique barriers to employment that Kiwis do not. OMEGA is working to remove these barriers so that skilled immigrants can compete fairly when entering the labour market. Giving people accurate information and the tools to remove these barriers helps us all benefit from the skills they bring. OMEGA also believes that is our collective responsibility as a nation to ensure that the promise made when attracting skilled immigrants to our shores is kept.

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Skilled immigrants face unique barriers to employment that Kiwis do not. OMEGA is working to remove these barriers so that skilled immigrants can compete fairly when entering the labour market. Giving people accurate information and the tools to remove these barriers helps us all benefit from the skills they bring. OMEGA also believes that is our collective responsibility as a nation to ensure that the promise made when attracting skilled immigrants to our shores is kept.

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OMEGA believes that the responsibility lies with all of us, and that an immediate response is needed. A collective and timely effort from all of us will ensure that the New Zealand economy future proofs itself against a diminishing workforce that will culminate in the demographic fault line in 2025. We cannot think that in the future we will be able to turn on an ‘immigration tap’, and expect immediate success in attracting internationally skilled professionals to our economy. Over and above individual organisations, it will be cities competing for talent, and therefore our collective ability will define how Auckland can compete against Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver and others for talent.

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OMEGA believes that the responsibility lies with all of us, and that an immediate response is needed. A collective and timely effort from all of us will ensure that the New Zealand economy future proofs itself against a diminishing workforce that will culminate in the demographic fault line in 2025. We cannot think that in the future we will be able to turn on an ‘immigration tap’, and expect immediate success in attracting internationally skilled professionals to our economy. Over and above individual organisations, it will be cities competing for talent, and therefore our collective ability will define how Auckland can compete against Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver and others for talent.

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Hiring staff, whoever they are, is a big decision, and there are a number of reasons employers may be reluctant to hire immigrants in particular. Some of these are:

• A lack of understanding of the international qualifications that applicants have;
• A bias or preference towards local experience;
• Concerns about language proficiency;
• Concerns about cultural fit;
• The hiring process and customers aren’t aligned with the immigrant community; and
• Poor experiences.

OMEGA is available to assist employers with these concerns, because it believes that when it comes to employing skilled immigrants, very often the benefits far out-weigh the additional support they may need initially. 

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Hiring staff, whoever they are, is a big decision, and there are a number of reasons employers may be reluctant to hire immigrants in particular. Some of these are:

• A lack of understanding of the international qualifications that applicants have;
• A bias or preference towards local experience;
• Concerns about language proficiency;
• Concerns about cultural fit;
• The hiring process and customers aren’t aligned with the immigrant community; and
• Poor experiences.

OMEGA is available to assist employers with these concerns, because it believes that when it comes to employing skilled immigrants, very often the benefits far out-weigh the additional support they may need initially. 

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www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/research

www.knowledgeauckland.org.nz

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www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/research

www.knowledgeauckland.org.nz

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