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.

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.

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. 

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

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/

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.