Months are slipping away quickly ..... evenings are getting shorter ..... summer is now definitely coming to an end ...... 

In April we have seen quite a lot of intersting issues coming to the front. The much heralded China Free Trade Agreement and the alleged abuse of powers by the boss of the Immigration Service. The slump in the house market resulting in a decrease of house values and the increase of petrol prices at the pumps. Please refer to the News Page for further details.

Despite all the above, New Zealand still requires a fair amount of skilled migrants. Even here it appears that more New Zealanders are leaving than coming into the country. According to our clients, New Zealand has lost its attraction in many countries. New Zealand appears to be less competitive in what we are able to offer to our immigrants compared to other countries. In addition the general immigration policies tend to focus more on people with degrees, certificates and diplomas. 

New Zealand though is a small country with just over 4 million people, and with many small companies. The people we do need are not all people with degrees, certificates and or diplomas. We also need hands-on people working in the front line. We need people willing to establish, open or purchase a business and employ other New Zealanders. That appears to me one of the solutions the government should be focussing on.