Thursday, September 09, 2010

 

 

Latest News & Events

 

 


Fiona Michel shares her thoughts on the Importance of Mentoring

Fiona Michel, Executive General Manager – HR, IAG candidly discusses her experience of mentoring a skilled immigrant, and the good and not-so-good recruitment practices in the industry. Her interview has been featured in the August-September issue of HRINZ Magazine.

Fiona Michel shares her thoughts on the Importance of Mentoring

Fiona Michel, Executive General Manager – HR, IAG candidly discusses her experience of mentoring a skilled immigrant, and the good and not-so-good recruitment practices in the industry. Her interview has been featured in the August-September issue of HRINZ Magazine.

All Eyes on the Ball: Cities of Migration Webinar on Role of Sports in Integration 

Recently OMEGA, as the New Zealand partner for Cities of Migration, hosted a webinar on the impact of sports in facilitating immigrant integration into mainstream society. The event was extremely well received, with an audience of over 60 participants from all corners of the globe. Dr. Arif Saeid, Community Services Manager, Refugees as Survivors New Zealand, presented a case study on the success of All Refs, a soccer team represented by immigrant youth.

All Eyes on the Ball: Cities of Migration Webinar on Role of Sports in Integration 

Recently OMEGA, as the New Zealand partner for Cities of Migration, hosted a webinar on the impact of sports in facilitating immigrant integration into mainstream society. The event was extremely well received, with an audience of over 60 participants from all corners of the globe. Dr. Arif Saeid, Community Services Manager, Refugees as Survivors New Zealand, presented a case study on the success of All Refs, a soccer team represented by immigrant youth.

 

 

 

'Blog Spot':  Thoughts and opinions from the OMEGA team.

Real-life Stories:  To date 80% of skilled immigrants who complete the OMEGA Mentoring Programme find relevant employment in New Zealand.  OMEGA is pleased to capture the stories of the people behind the stats,  to show both the incredible determination in their search for the right job, and the valuable contribution that their mentors make to this process.

Champions of Change:  OMEGA values the role individual leaders play in creating change. Executives who volunteer to mentor skilled immigrants, set an example for their peers and staff that the recruitment, integration and retention of immigrant talent is important for New Zealand.

OMEGA's 2008 Annual Update 

'Blog Spot':  Thoughts and opinions from the OMEGA team.

Real-life Stories:  To date 80% of skilled immigrants who complete the OMEGA Mentoring Programme find relevant employment in New Zealand.  OMEGA is pleased to capture the stories of the people behind the stats,  to show both the incredible determination in their search for the right job, and the valuable contribution that their mentors make to this process.

Champions of Change:  OMEGA values the role individual leaders play in creating change. Executives who volunteer to mentor skilled immigrants, set an example for their peers and staff that the recruitment, integration and retention of immigrant talent is important for New Zealand.

OMEGA's 2008 Annual Update 

 

The slippery slope of managing migrants in your workforce – June 2010

Exporter
A multicultural workforce presents challenges to Kiwi employers who need to learn how to manage diversity and tap into the opportunities that come with migrants who don’t necessarily see the world through Kiwi eyes.

The slippery slope of managing migrants in your workforce – June 2010

Exporter
A multicultural workforce presents challenges to Kiwi employers who need to learn how to manage diversity and tap into the opportunities that come with migrants who don’t necessarily see the world through Kiwi eyes.

New Zealand Inc Needs Mentors – May 2010

Enterprise North Shore
New Zealand goes out of its way to attract highly skilled, highly qualified new immigrants. But when they get here many struggle to find a decent job. OMEGA mentors provide a vital link.
Susan Bowden 
 

New Zealand Inc Needs Mentors – May 2010

Enterprise North Shore
New Zealand goes out of its way to attract highly skilled, highly qualified new immigrants. But when they get here many struggle to find a decent job. OMEGA mentors provide a vital link.
Susan Bowden 
 
Free Coaching for Skilled Immigrants – May 2010

Over 65 skilled immigrants who are residents of Auckland gathered for a day of free coaching from 20 volunteer coaches.  The event was organised by OMEGA and the ICF (International Coach Federation), and was hosted by IAG New Zealand Ltd.  The day of interaction formed part of International Coaching Week.

A total of 65 hours of coaching was donated to skilled immigrants, to facilitate their professional growth, and assist them in making better, more informed decisions as they navigate their way through their New Zealand job search. Each participant received one hour of dedicated, one-to-one coaching from a industry expert and many of them expressed great satisfaction with the insights they had gained.

Over 65 skilled immigrants who are residents of Auckland gathered for a day of free coaching from 20 volunteer coaches.  The event was organised by OMEGA and the ICF (International Coach Federation), and was hosted by IAG New Zealand Ltd.  The day of interaction formed part of International Coaching Week.

A total of 65 hours of coaching was donated to skilled immigrants, to facilitate their professional growth, and assist them in making better, more informed decisions as they navigate their way through their New Zealand job search. Each participant received one hour of dedicated, one-to-one coaching from a industry expert and many of them expressed great satisfaction with the insights they had gained.


Helping skilled immigrants get the right start – April 2010

City Scene
One third of Auckland residents were born overseas, however nearly 50 per cent of all skilled immigrants to New Zealand are unemployed or overqualified for their jobs.

Helping skilled immigrants get the right start – April 2010

City Scene
One third of Auckland residents were born overseas, however nearly 50 per cent of all skilled immigrants to New Zealand are unemployed or overqualified for their jobs.

Migrants and mentors: Bridging The“Kiwi Experience” Gap – It’s a Catch 22 for migrants – March 2010

New Zealand Management
We invite them to our country because we need their skills – but then either reject or underutilise their input because they lack “Kiwi” work experience. Can mentoring make a difference? 
Vicki Jayne

Migrants and mentors: Bridging The“Kiwi Experience” Gap – It’s a Catch 22 for migrants – March 2010

New Zealand Management
We invite them to our country because we need their skills – but then either reject or underutilise their input because they lack “Kiwi” work experience. Can mentoring make a difference? 
Vicki Jayne

Squandering a talent pool – 31 January 2010

Herald on Sunday
Skilled migrants could greatly contribute to providing a solution to the skills shortage, but first we have to change our mindset.
Val Leveson

Squandering a talent pool – 31 January 2010

Herald on Sunday
Skilled migrants could greatly contribute to providing a solution to the skills shortage, but first we have to change our mindset.
Val Leveson

Mentors’ skills help migrants – 12 December 2009

New Zealand Herald
Newcomers need not let their talents go to waste
Ruth Osborne

Mentors’ skills help migrants – 12 December 2009

New Zealand Herald
Newcomers need not let their talents go to waste
Ruth Osborne

Auckland Professionals gather on International Migrants’ Day – December 2009

Terri-Ann Scorer and David Pearce:  Business professionals who are mentoring skilled immigrants and helping them find their place in the Auckland working community.

Professionals from OMEGA’s growing ‘community of interest’ gathered over breakfast to celebrate the UN’s International Migrants’ Day.  Pauline Winter, Director of the Office of Pasifika Advancement at AUT and OMEGA’s Chair, gave an inspiring address about the challenges that people who have newly arrived in the country face, in trying to adjust to a different environment.  Terri-Ann Scorer of Boston Consulting Group, shared her experiences of mentoring a business professional from the Philippines, in particular how she as a business leader benefited from the relationship.  The morning was wrapped up by Justin Treagus, Programme Director of OMEGA, who invited participants to become mentors as a key way to attract and integrate skilled immigrants in the Auckland workplace. 

 

(Picture right) Terri-Ann Scorer and David Pearce:  Business professionals who are mentoring skilled immigrants and helping them find their place in the Auckland working community.

Terri-Ann Scorer and David Pearce:  Business professionals who are mentoring skilled immigrants and helping them find their place in the Auckland working community.

Professionals from OMEGA’s growing ‘community of interest’ gathered over breakfast to celebrate the UN’s International Migrants’ Day.  Pauline Winter, Director of the Office of Pasifika Advancement at AUT and OMEGA’s Chair, gave an inspiring address about the challenges that people who have newly arrived in the country face, in trying to adjust to a different environment.  Terri-Ann Scorer of Boston Consulting Group, shared her experiences of mentoring a business professional from the Philippines, in particular how she as a business leader benefited from the relationship.  The morning was wrapped up by Justin Treagus, Programme Director of OMEGA, who invited participants to become mentors as a key way to attract and integrate skilled immigrants in the Auckland workplace. 

 

(Picture right) Terri-Ann Scorer and David Pearce:  Business professionals who are mentoring skilled immigrants and helping them find their place in the Auckland working community.


A Professional entered the Workplace every Second Day through OMEGA – October 2009 

During the month of October, the OMEGA Mentoring Programme saw 12 skilled immigrants finding relevant work in New Zealand.  What this means, is that every second working day, a new professional began adding to New Zealand’s economy, largely because they had received mentoring and guidance from local business professionals.  OMEGA congratulates these new Kiwis on their jobs and extends thanks to all the mentors. 
If you are a business professional, you too could help build New Zealand’s economy and future by helping a new Kiwi to find their place.  Find out how to become an OMEGA Mentor

During the month of October, the OMEGA Mentoring Programme saw 12 skilled immigrants finding relevant work in New Zealand.  What this means, is that every second working day, a new professional began adding to New Zealand’s economy, largely because they had received mentoring and guidance from local business professionals.  OMEGA congratulates these new Kiwis on their jobs and extends thanks to all the mentors. 
If you are a business professional, you too could help build New Zealand’s economy and future by helping a new Kiwi to find their place.  Find out how to become an OMEGA Mentor


OMEGA receives Human Rights Commission Award – August 2009

In recognition of OMEGA's outstanding contribution to race relations, on behalf of OMEGA, Programme Director Justin Treagus received an award from the Human Rights Commission.  The award was handed over at a ceremony held at the 2009 New Zealand Diversity Forum in Wellington, on Monday 24 August. Winners were selected from over 200 organisations participating in the New Zealand Diversity Action programme facilitated by the Human Rights Commission.
"OMEGA is delighted to be recognised for its hard work towards workplace diversity," says Justin Treagus. "We wish to thank the Human Rights Commission for identifying our approach as key to positive race relations in New Zealand."

 

Justin (centre) accepts the award on behalf of OMEGA from His Excellency, The Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor-General of New Zealand and Joris De Bres, Race Relations Commissioner from the Human Rights Commission

In recognition of OMEGA's outstanding contribution to race relations, on behalf of OMEGA, Programme Director Justin Treagus received an award from the Human Rights Commission.  The award was handed over at a ceremony held at the 2009 New Zealand Diversity Forum in Wellington, on Monday 24 August. Winners were selected from over 200 organisations participating in the New Zealand Diversity Action programme facilitated by the Human Rights Commission.
"OMEGA is delighted to be recognised for its hard work towards workplace diversity," says Justin Treagus. "We wish to thank the Human Rights Commission for identifying our approach as key to positive race relations in New Zealand."

 

Justin (centre) accepts the award on behalf of OMEGA from His Excellency, The Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor-General of New Zealand and Joris De Bres, Race Relations Commissioner from the Human Rights Commission


OMEGA hosts Cities of Migration Webinar – July 2009

Along with its Auckland partners, OMEGA hosted an international webinar, entitled “Fulfilling the Promise: Integrating Immigrant Skills into the Urban Economy”.  This described the adaptation of experiences from Canada to the New Zealand context in relation to skilled immigrants and employment.  Participants discussed how to successfully harness the competitive advantage of immigrant diversity to reach into new markets, internationalise customer bases, and benefit from skills and talent that fuel innovation and drive high performance.  More details including how to participate in future webinars is available from: http://citiesofmigration.ca/integration-learning-exchange/calendar/lang/en/

Along with its Auckland partners, OMEGA hosted an international webinar, entitled “Fulfilling the Promise: Integrating Immigrant Skills into the Urban Economy”.  This described the adaptation of experiences from Canada to the New Zealand context in relation to skilled immigrants and employment.  Participants discussed how to successfully harness the competitive advantage of immigrant diversity to reach into new markets, internationalise customer bases, and benefit from skills and talent that fuel innovation and drive high performance.  More details including how to participate in future webinars is available from: http://citiesofmigration.ca/integration-learning-exchange/calendar/lang/en/


Philippe Legrain, International Economist, Author and Commentator in Auckland – May 2009

OMEGA, in conjunction with the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the support of Deloitte and Gen-I was delighted to present Philippe Legrain international economist, author and commentator on globalisation and migration, to a select group of leading Auckland CEOs and senior executives.  Download Philippe Legrain’s speech on harnessing international talent to boost productivity and innovation.

OMEGA, in conjunction with the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the support of Deloitte and Gen-I was delighted to present Philippe Legrain international economist, author and commentator on globalisation and migration, to a select group of leading Auckland CEOs and senior executives.  Download Philippe Legrain’s speech on harnessing international talent to boost productivity and innovation.


Kiwi experience: Unemployment – 26 April 2008

New Zealand Herald
Steve Hart

Kiwi experience: Unemployment – 26 April 2008

New Zealand Herald
Steve Hart

Copyright 2009 by OMEGA