Strong United Kingdom interest in skilled job opportunities in Auckland

Nearly 700 people looking to immigrate to Auckland have registered at a UK Opportunities Expo held in London last week.


Michael Barnett, chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, said feedback from the Expo indicated that many of the applicants were of outstanding calibre and were well informed and excited about living, working and raising families here.


There was also strong interest from expat-Kiwis who have been away for more than 5 years and wanting to return but were unaware of the demand for their skills.


“Processing applications for around 50 job vacancies for immediate positions, including a number of engineering roles, has commenced and should be filled within six months,” said Mr Barnett.


Auckland interests with projects seeking to overcome the region’s skills shortage positioned a large stand at the Expo in a partnership between the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Auckland Plus and Waitakere Enterprise.


The Auckland Chamber has formed a joint venture with the New Zealand Immigration Service to fast-track the process of linking applications from skilled people wanting to immigrate to companies with registered job vacancies.


“I would expect that many of those who attended the Expo could be re-settled into Auckland within six months, up to 18 months faster than often occurs through the normal process,” said Mr Barnett.


Employers with skill shortages are invited to register their vacancies with the Auckland Chamber at www.nzrecruitme.co.nz or contact the Chamber on (09) 309 6100.