Skills in Demand-New Zealand
It is always a good time to come and work in New Zealand. But working life in New Zealand may be quite different from other country.
New Zealand is going through dramatic changes in employment trends in many industries over the last ten to fifteen years. These things aren’t happening just in New Zealand. Similar changes are occurring in most developed (OECD) nations.
New Zealand labour market is ageing. There’s been a big drop in the birth-rate, so workforce is getting older and there aren’t so many young people to replace those who retire. There’s an increasing number of people from other countries working in New Zealand – becoming more multi-ethnic.
Types of jobs are changing too – more jobs, and more people are looking for a good lifestyle as well as a good salary.
Typical New Zealand businesses are small compared to those in other countries. But there are also large international companies with offices in New Zealand. And there is a strong government sector, especially in Wellington. The job market differs from one region to another. You’ll find that most government jobs and ones in large organizations are in our bigger cities. But there are exciting opportunities in regional centers too, especially for some occupations.
New Zealand is experiencing a skill shortage across the country and labour market. Employers in New Zealand want to recruit people into certain industries, all over New Zealand.
Industries which have a strong demand for skilled people include:
- Education
- Health and medical groups
- Information and communications technology
- Agriculture and farming
- Engineering
- Trades.
Biotechnology
New Zealand is famous for its farm products and innovations in animal and plant husbandry. Expertise has provided a sound basis for the development of new biotechnologies. And New Zealand is now developing products that have agricultural, environmental, industrial and medical applications. Biotechnology is growing rapidly and exports are expected to climb to over NZ$2 billion by the year 2010.
Creative Industries
Creative industries all begin with individual creativity, skill and talent. And they have the potential to create wealth and jobs. New Zealand’s creative industries contribute 3.1% of New Zealand’s total GDP. Music exports are at least NZ$20 million, and domestic sales are almost NZ$20 million too.
New Zealand ‘s film industry has grown rapidly in recent years. No Wonder, Peter Jackson is probably the most widely recognized movie director in the world. Film production in New Zealand generates over NZ$1 billion, with NZ$343 million from foreign funding. The recent success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy is expected to boost New Zealand’s film industry significantly in the future.
Maori bring a unique style and approach to New Zealand ‘s creative industries that is fast gaining international recognition.
Information Communications and Technology (ICT)
New Zealanders are good at developing new electronic ways of processing information, transmitting, displaying and communicating it. One of New Zealand’s strengths is in creative technical innovation. And have an ability to adapt rapidly within a low cost structure.
ICT is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing industries and one of the Government’s main target growth sectors. New Zealand is creating jobs in this sector very fast and there are shortages nationwide.
Other Fast Growing Industries
Biotechnology, information communications and technology, and creative industries are three targeted areas of New Zealand’s economy. But there are many other highly successful and fast growing industries such as:
- food and beverages, including wine production
- education
- niche manufacturing such as custom boat-building and sail-making
- agritech
- building and interior design
All of these industries have the potential to provide job opportunities for people with the right skills, energy and enthusiasm.
New Zealand has two types of list which identify the industries and professions where skilled people are required.
The Immediate Skill Shortage List identifies the jobs and skills needed in New Zealand.
Please click here to check the ISSL in detail
The Long Term Skill Shortage List shows the areas where NZ has a sustained and ongoing shortage of skilled people throughout the whole of New Zealand.
Please click here to check the LTSSL in detail
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