Green List and Employer Accreditation changes announced

On 12 December 2022, New Zealand announced changes to the Green List and Employer Accreditation.
The Green List is getting more occupations under the Straight to Residence pathway and more professions in general. Eligible accredited employers are getting an extension on their accreditation.
Expansion of the Green List
From 15 December 2022, New Zealand is moving registered nurses, midwives, and all medical doctors from the Work to Residence to the Straight to Residence Green List pathway.
Under Work to Residence, professionals need 24 months of work experience in New Zealand, while it’s not necessary under Straight to Residence.
In March 2023, more changes are coming:
- New Zealand will add auditors to the Straight to Residence Green List pathway.
- New Zealand will add the following professions to the Work to Residence Green List pathway:
- Civil construction supervisors
- Gasfitters
- Drainlayers
- Skilled crane operators
- Skilled civil machine operators
- Halal slaughterers
- Skilled motor mechanics
- Skilled telecommunications technicians
- All secondary school teachers (in addition to the specialisations already on the Green List)
- Primary school teachers
What are the Green List pathways?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has three residence pathways:
- Work to Residence
- Straight to Residence
- Highly Paid Residence
Visa applicants must have an occupation on the Green List to qualify for either of the first two pathways.
Accredited Employer Work Visa employer accreditation extension
Employers with accreditation who made their first application by 4 July 2023 will get an automatic extension of their accreditation by 12 months.
This extension will be a once-off, but Immigration New Zealand hopes it provides employers with certainty that they’ll continue to have access to skilled labour with the additional cost and administrative burden of reapplying for accreditation.
Stay up to date with immigration news from New Zealand
Follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn to stay informed about immigration changes that could affect you. We post news as soon as it happens.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Working in New Zealand
The Parent Resident Visa is open again!
As of 12 October 2022, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is accepting new Expressions of Interest for the Parent Resident Visa.
New Zealanders and their parents have welcomed this news, especially since INZ has reduced the sponsor requirements and increased the number of visas.
When do applications open?
Migrants who want to apply for a Parent Resident Visa must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
INZ started accepting EOIs on Wednesday, 12 October. Any EOIs that INZ receives from this date go into a ballot, from where INZ will make a random selection. The first selection happens in August 2023 and every three months after that.
Migrants whose EOIs get selected and get invitations to apply can submit applications for the Parent Resident Visa.
What about Expressions of Interest submitted before the Parent Resident Visa closed?
The Parent Resident Visa temporarily closed in 2019, with plans to reopen it in 2020. Unfortunately, COVID hit, which meant it didn’t happen.
At the time of the closure, many migrants already had EOIs in the system for the Parent Resident Visa.
Immigration New Zealand is keeping those EOIs and will select EOIs from the pool in the date order they were received. These selections will start on 14 November 2022 and happen every three months after that.
At this time, INZ can’t tell how long it’ll take them to select all existing EOIs. However, INZ has said they’ll publish accurate timeframes as soon as possible.
Migrants who no longer want to apply for a Parent Resident Visa can withdraw their EOI. Migrants will also get the opportunity to update their EOI if necessary.
What are the changes for sponsors?
Immigration New Zealand has lowered the income requirements for sponsors, i.e., the adult children of applicants.
INZ also allows two adult children, rather than just an adult child and their partner, to combine their income to sponsor parents.
Furthermore, a sponsor only needs to earn 1.5 times the New Zealand median wage instead of twice the median wage. This limit increased by half the median wage for each joint sponsor or additional parent.
These reduced requirements apply to EOIs already in the queue and EOIs submitted from 12 October 2022.
How many visas are available?
Immigration New Zealand has increased the number of Parent Resident Visas available each year from 1,000 to 2,500.
There’s no hurry to submit an EOI right away!
Immigration New Zealand has advised that migrants wait until closer to August 2023 to submit their Expressions of Interest. EOIs stay in the queue for two years, so submitting an EOI closer to August will mean it’s in the queue longer if it’s not selected the first time.
In the meantime, follow us to stay on top of immigration news
You can keep up to date with immigration news out of New Zealand by following us on Facebook or LinkedIn. We also share informative and educational articles about immigrating to New Zealand.
- Published in Family Immigration, Latest posts, News
We want YOU: 5 Engineering jobs available in New Zealand! (October 2022)
We’re excited to announce that we’re working with a New Zealand recruitment firm to find candidates for five job openings at a leading New Zealand engineering consultancy in the power industry.
These candidates must meet the job requirements and New Zealand’s work visa requirements.
The openings are for the following jobs:
- Principal/Senior Communications & Control Engineer
- Principal/Senior Primary Design Engineer
- Senior Protection and Secondary Design Engineer
- Power System Analysis (PSA) Engineer
- Senior Power System Analysis (PSA) Engineer
Keep on reading for the description and requirements of each role.
If you’re interested in a position, please book a consultation call with our licensed advisor Katrin Maja O’Flynn. Katrin will talk you through the immigration assessment process and explain the way forward.
1. Principal/Senior Communications & Control Engineer
The Principal/Senior Communications & Control Engineer uses their specialist knowledge to design and deliver solutions and provide technical guidance to others.
Commercial responsibilities involve quoting, planning, and managing projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget and to the agreed standards of quality.
Required Experience:
Ten years of industry experience, preferably with engineering consultancy experience.
Responsibilities:
The technical activities carried out by the Communications & Control Engineer are likely to include:
- Project evaluation, scoping, specification and quoting
- Research, design, solutions development, feasibility study and assessment
- Research, strategy development and creation of technology roadmaps, as they apply to the power industry
- Engineering of solutions for telecommunication and IT aspects within the power industry, including:
- Fiber optic networks
- Radio network design for point-to-point and multipoint applications
- Mobile radio and telemetry solutions
- AC reticulation and DC system design
- Earthing and lightning protection
- Cabling networks
- CCTV and security system
- Synchronisation and timing techniques
- SCADA systems, processes, architecture and protocols
- LAN, WAN, internetworking and development of IP topology and architectures, substation hardened networking and industrial networking solutions
- Digital power line carrier
- Communication solutions for protection signalling service requirements
- Definition and design of architecture for multi-layered service-oriented networked solutions, applicable to critical infrastructure
- Awareness and familiarity with cyber security methodologies, architectures, standards and industry best practices applicable to the power industry
- Familiarity with products and FCAPS techniques, applied to NMS and OSS infrastructure requirements
- An awareness and knowledge of IoT, data analytics and their application to the power industry
The project management and commercial aspects of the work involve:
- Managing projects and attending regular meetings, to discuss the best way to move projects forward
- Participating in conference calls and meetings, to discuss products, action plans and team performance
- Attending briefings on new networks and new products
- Managing resources, including budgets, physical resources and project members
- Preparing high-quality written reports and presentations, for management and customer review
- Identifying business development opportunities and assisting in tendering, quoting and customer development
- Ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed standards of quality
Key Result Areas:
- Technical quality of design deliverables
- Project performance: Time and budget
- Engineering design and judgement
- Project performance: Client expectations
Key Skills and Personal Qualities:
- Technical ability and knowledge
- A very good understanding of protection and secondary design
- Organisational skills
- Adaptability and the ability to learn new skills quickly
- Good presentation and communication skills
- Skilled technical authoring and a good aptitude for report writing
- The ability to work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision
- The capability to concentrate under pressure, to meet tight deadlines
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Business/commercial awareness
- The ability to work well within a team and individually
- The ability to innovate and identify both business and technical opportunities, while carrying out day-to-day duties
- Excellent project and people management skills
2. Principal/Senior Primary Design Engineer
The Primary Design Engineer shall demonstrate experience and sound judgement in both commercial and technical responsibilities.
The technical aspect of the role includes using specialist knowledge to design and deliver solutions, as well as providing technical guidance to other markets and teams.
Commercial responsibilities involve quoting, planning and managing projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget and to the agreed standards of quality.
Required Experience:
Candidates shall either have at least ten years of experience (Principal) or at least six years of experience (Senior) working in primary design, preferably in New Zealand or Australia.
Alternatively, candidates may demonstrate suitable experience from an equivalent utility sector overseas.
Previous experience in a design consultancy is also an advantage.
Responsibilities:
The technical activities carried out by the Primary Design Engineer are likely to include:
- Acting as the lead designer for primary aspects of a huge variety of projects
- Liaising with civil/structural resources, suppliers and subcontractors, to deliver the design required for our extensive range of clients
- Travelling to meet suppliers, customers and colleagues
- Negotiating project scope, product and technical solution requirements with customers
- Providing technical guidance to colleagues, junior engineers and other teams
- Attending conferences and seminars, to network and keep up to date with the latest developments in the sector
- Liaising with internal and external customers
- Working to tight timescales, as part of a high-performing team
- Arranging process meetings
- Rewriting or modifying processes, to ensure that all aspects of the service run smoothly and to schedule
- Technical writing and authoring of comprehensive reports for a variety of audiences and topics, including technical solutions, strategic papers, concept/detailed design reports, technical roadmaps, asset plans and briefing papers
The commercial aspects of the work involve:
- Managing projects and attending regular meetings, to discuss the best way to move projects forward
- Taking financial and commercial ownership of all project aspects allocated to you
- Participating in conference calls and meetings, to discuss products, action plans and team performance
- Attending briefings on new networks and new products
- Managing resources, including budgets, physical resources and project members
- Preparing high-quality written reports and presentations, for management and customer review
- Identifying business development opportunities and assisting in tendering, quoting and customer development
- Ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed standards of quality
Key Skills and Personal Qualities:
You will need to show:
- Technical ability and knowledge
- An excellent understanding of primary electrical design
- Organisational skills
- Adaptability and the ability to learn new skills quickly
- Good presentation and communication skills
- Skilled technical authoring and a good aptitude for report writing
- The ability to work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision
- The capability to concentrate under pressure, to meet tight deadlines
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Business/commercial awareness
- The ability to work well within a team and individually
- The ability to innovate and identify both business and technical opportunities, while carrying out day-to-day duties
- Excellent project and people management skills.
3. Senior Protection and Secondary Design Engineer
The Senior Protection and Secondary Design Engineer shall demonstrate experience and sound judgement, in both commercial and technical responsibilities.
The technical aspect of the role includes using specialist knowledge to design and deliver solutions and providing technical guidance to others.
Commercial responsibilities involve quoting, planning and managing projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget and to the agreed standards of quality.
Required Experience:
Candidates shall have at least six years of experience working in protection and secondary systems design, preferably in New Zealand or Australia.
Alternatively, candidates may demonstrate suitable experience from an equivalent utility sector overseas.
Previous experience in a design consultancy and/or New Zealand distribution company is also an advantage.
Responsibilities:
The technical activities carried out by the Protection and Secondary Design Engineer are likely to include:
- Travelling to meet suppliers, customers and colleagues, based in other offices
- Negotiating project scope, product and technical solution requirements with customers
- Providing technical guidance to colleagues and other teams
- Attending conferences and seminars, to network and keep up to date with the latest developments in the sector
- Liaising with internal and external customers
- Analysing and interpreting data, to refine and improve power systems performance
- Working to tight timescales, as part of a high-performing team
- Arranging process meeting
- Rewriting or modifying processes, to ensure that all aspects of the service run smoothly and to schedule
- Technical writing and authoring of comprehensive reports, for a variety of audiences and topics, including technical solutions, strategic papers, concept/detailed design reports, technical roadmaps, asset plans and briefing papers
The commercial aspects of the work involve:
- Managing projects and attending regular meetings, to discuss the best way to move projects forward
- Participating in conference calls and meetings, to discuss products, action plans and team performance
- Attending briefings on new networks and new products
- Managing resources, including budgets, physical resources and project members
- Preparing high-quality written reports and presentations, for management and customer review
- Identifying business development opportunities and assisting in tendering, quoting and customer development
- Ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed standards of quality
Key Skills and Personal Qualities:
You will need to show:
- Technical ability and knowledge
- A very good understanding of protection and secondary design
- Organisational skills
- Adaptability and the ability to learn new skills quickly
- Good presentation and communication skills
- Skilled technical authoring and a good aptitude for report writing
- The ability to work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision
- The capability to concentrate under pressure, to meet tight deadlines
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Business/commercial awareness
- The ability to work well within a team and individually
- The ability to innovate and identify both business and technical opportunities, while carrying out day-to-day duties
- Excellent project and people management skills
4. Power System Analysis (PSA) Engineer
The Power System Analysis (PSA) Engineer shall assist with analysis work underpinning generator connections. The role includes but is not limited to the following tasks:
- Project evaluation, scoping, specification and quoting
- Engineering of solutions for generation aspects of the power system
- Modelling and analysis of the power system, with knowledge of the following techniques:
- Load-flow and short circuit assessment
- Analytic techniques, including PV and QV analysis, for determination of power system limits
- Dynamic RMS simulations, for transient and voltage stability
- Generator control systems modelling, including AVR, PSS, OEL, UEL and speed governors
- Knowledge of scripting techniques (for instance, Python), within industry standard tools, such as PSS/E and PowerFactory, would be an advantage
- Experience in the use of Siemens PSS/E and DIgSILENT PowerFactory, to undertake system studies, would be highly advantageous
- Communicating results and solutions to our clients
Work experience:
Candidates shall have at least five years’ experience working in the power systems sector, preferably in New Zealand or Australia.
Alternatively, candidates may demonstrate suitable experience from an equivalent utility sector overseas.
Responsibilities:
The technical activities carried out by the Power Systems Analysis Engineer are likely to include:
- Travelling to meet suppliers, customers and colleagues, based in other offices around New Zealand and Australia
- Providing technical guidance to colleagues and other teams
- Liaising with internal and external customers
- Analysing and interpreting data, to refine and improve power systems performance
- Working to tight timescales, as part of a high-performing team
- Technical writing and authoring of comprehensive reports in English, for a variety of audiences and topics, including technical solutions, strategic papers, and concept/detailed design reports.
The management aspects of the work involve:
- Managing projects and attending regular meetings, to discuss the best way to move projects forward
- Participating in conference calls and meetings, to discuss products, action plans and team performance
- Managing resources, including budgets, physical resources and project members;
- Identifying business development opportunities and assisting in tendering, quoting and customer development
- Ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed standards of quality
Key Skills and Personal Qualities:
You will need to show:
- Technical ability and knowledge
- A good understanding of power systems analysis techniques, using a range of industry-standard tools
- Experience with power system analysis tools, such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory and PSS/E
- Organisational skills
- Adaptability and the ability to learn new skills quickly
- Good presentation and communication skills
- Skilled technical authoring and a good aptitude for report writing
- The ability to work efficiently and effectively, with minimal supervision
- The capability to concentrate under pressure, to meet tight deadlines
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Business/commercial awareness
- The ability to work well within a team and individually
- An ability to innovate and identify both business and technical opportunities, while carrying out day-to-day duties
5. Senior Power System Analysis (PSA) Engineer
The Senior Power System Analysis Engineer role includes but is not limited to the following tasks:
- Project evaluation, scoping, specification and quoting
- Engineering of solutions for generation aspects of the power system
- Modelling and analysis of the power system, with knowledge of the following techniques:
- Load-flow and short circuit assessment
- Analytic techniques, including PV and QV analysis, for determination of power system limits
- Dynamic RMS simulations, for transient and voltage stability
- Generator control systems modelling, including AVR, PSS, OEL, UEL and speed governors
- Knowledge of scripting techniques (for instance, Python), within industry standard tools, such as PSS/E and PowerFactory, would be an advantage
- Experience in the use of Siemens PSS/E and DIgSILENT PowerFactory, to undertake system studies, would be highly advantageous
- Communicating results and solutions to our clients
Work experience:
Candidates shall have at least six years of experience working in the power systems sector, preferably in New Zealand or Australia.
Alternatively, candidates may demonstrate suitable experience from an equivalent utility sector overseas.
Responsibilities:
The technical activities carried out by the Senior Power Systems Analysis Engineer are likely to include:
- Travelling to meet suppliers, customers and colleagues, based in other offices around New Zealand and Australia
- Providing technical guidance to colleagues and other teams
- Liaising with internal and external customers
- Analysing and interpreting data, to refine and improve power systems performance
- Working to tight timescales, as part of a high-performing team
- Technical writing and authoring of comprehensive reports in English, for a variety of audiences and topics, including technical solutions, strategic papers, concept/detailed design reports
The management aspects of the work involve:
- Managing projects and attending regular meetings, to discuss the best way to move projects forward
- Participating in conference calls and meetings, to discuss products, action plans and team performance
- Managing resources, including budgets, physical resources and project members
- Identifying business development opportunities and assisting in tendering, quoting and customer development
- Ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed standards of quality
Key Skills and Personal Qualities:
You will need to show:
- Expert level knowledge of PSS/E and PSCAD software tools, including advanced automation techniques using Python
- In-depth knowledge of the Australian National Electricity Rules (NER) S5.2.5
- Prior experience with generator connection studies in the National Electricity Market (NEM), including preparation of documentation
- Technical ability and knowledge
- A good understanding of power systems analysis techniques, using a range of industry-standard tools
- Experience with power system analysis tools, such as DIgSILENT and PowerFactory
- Organisational skills
- Adaptability and the ability to learn new skills quickly
- Good presentation and communication skills
- Skilled technical authoring and a good aptitude for report writing
- The ability to work efficiently and effectively, with minimal supervision
- The capability to concentrate under pressure, to meet tight deadlines
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Business/commercial awareness
- The ability to work well within a team and individually
- An ability to innovate and identify both business and technical opportunities, while carrying out day-to-day duties
Don’t forget to book your consultation call!
To learn more and to find out if you qualify for a New Zealand work visa, book a consultation call with our licensed advisor.
Please use the I have a job offer for New Zealand – Consultation option on her Calendly.
Our advisor will assess your eligibility to apply for a New Zealand work visa, talk you through your visa options, and explain how the process works. Our consultation calls are 30 minutes, and it’s a once-off 49€ fee.
Our team looks forward to hearing from you!
- Published in Latest posts, News, Work Visas for New Zealand, Working in New Zealand
How to get a job in New Zealand: 10 Top tips (plus a LinkedIn profile checklist)
Did you know that most people need a job offer to score enough points for a Skilled Migrant Visa?
Immigration New Zealand usually only invites migrants with a score of 160 or more to apply for a visa, despite the minimum required points score being 100.
That’s why it’s critical to know how to get a job in New Zealand if you want to immigrate to New Zealand as a skilled migrant.
1. Find out if you qualify for a Skilled Migrant visa
Your immigration journey must start with an immigration assessment. There are two reasons for this:
- You don’t want to find out after getting a job offer that you don’t qualify for a Skilled Migrant visa. It’ll be devastating!
- Recruiting from overseas is riskier for an employer than recruiting locally – and that’s why many employers would want to know that you qualify for a work visa before considering your CV.
2. Research the New Zealand job market
Go into this job search prepared!
Read up on your industry in New Zealand, research average salaries, compile a list of recruiters, find out how the recruitment process works, and look for companies that often hire overseas.
You’ll not only set yourself up for success , but also manage your expectations around what you can expect from working in New Zealand, what you’re liking to earn, and how long it could take to get a job.
3. Prepare your CV in the New Zealand style
Spend time formatting your CV in the New Zealand style.
Your efforts will pay off because employers will know you understand how to job hunt in New Zealand.
Not only that, but it’ll also show that you care enough to research how a New Zealand employer wants to receive an application.
4. Write a cover letter that makes an impact
You don’t want to send employers a generic cover letter! Make it specific to the job and clearly illustrate why the employer should consider your application.
You’ll find excellent examples of cover letters on The Muse, a career-focused website.
5. Make sure you have a strong LinkedIn profile
Recruiters and employers will search for you on LinkedIn, so it’s crucial to set up a profile that gets their attention.
What makes a strong LinkedIn profile? Everything in the checklist below. Download it, then continue reading for more tips.
6. Always have updated copies of your visas, references, and qualifications
You don’t want an expired passport or outdated documents to stand in the way of getting a job in New Zealand. Set reminders for when updates are needed and ensure they happen in time. You could ask your immigration advisor for guidance with this matter.
7. Improve your skills and knowledge
You may need to sharpen your skills to get a job in New Zealand. Don’t let it stand in your way! Yes, it’s hard to study and work. However, you might only need to do a short course or a certificate.
Trust us when we say the studying will pay off. You’ll make yourself more marketable and desirable to employers.
8. Become a Zoom expert
In a post-COVID world, just about every employer is conducting online interviews. You must ensure you know how to use Zoom and other similar tools like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Skype.
Test each one to know how it works and how to troubleshoot common errors. You can set up a quick session with a friend, but also remember to test the tech before every interview. You never know when an update is needed, which could cut into your interview time if you don’t do it beforehand.
9. Be available day and night
There might be a considerable time difference between New Zealand and your home country. That is no excuse not to attend an interview.
You could ask for a different time, which probably won’t be frowned upon, but stick with the suggested time if you can.
10. Prepare for the interview
It’s no secret that it’s critical to prepare for an job interview. The basics are researching the company, prepping and practising answers to common interview questions, and doing salary research.
The better you’re prepared, the better your interview will likely go.
In summary
Go into your New Zealand job hunt prepared. Ensure you know the industry, perfect your CV and cover letters, and sharpen your skills.
Don’t neglect to create a stellar LinkedIn profile – it’s one of the best ways to secure a job!
Finally, ensure you’re ready when an employer shows interest by prepping for the interview, becoming a Zoom expert and having updated documents.
That’s how you get a job in New Zealand.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice, Working in New Zealand
Immigration News: July 2022
The wait is finally over – at 11.59pm on 31 July, New Zealand fully reopens to travellers! Student visa applications are also reopening at the same time.
Continue reading to learn more about these and other changes happening in July.
Visitor visa applications reopen!
From 11.59 pm on 31 July (NZST), applications for Visitor Visas will reopen.
Except for New Zealand and Australian citizens, all travellers to New Zealand will need a visa or New Zealand Electronic Authority (NZeTA) to enter the country.
Fee increases for group visitor visas
When visitor visa applications reopen, group visitor fees will increase:
- Approved Destination Status (China) will be NZ$90 per person, up from NZ$45
- Other group visitor visas will be NZ$110, up from NZ$65
Student visa applications also reopen!
Student visa applications reopen at the same time as visitor visa applications. New Zealand is ready to rebuild its high-value international education sector!
Fees and levies increase for student visas
Immigration New Zealand is introducing increases in immigration fees and levies for student visas. The cost for a student visa will be:
- NZ$375 for Band A (New Zealand)
- NZ$315 for Band B (Pacific)
- NZ$395 for Band C (Rest of World)
The amount students need for living costs while in New Zealand will also increase to:
- NZ$20,000 for a year of tertiary education, English language students and other non-compulsory education
- NZ$17,000 a year for students in compulsory education (Years 1 to 13 at a school)
- NZ$5,000 for applicants for post-study work visas.
The 2021 Resident Visa category is closing
New Zealand created the 2021 Resident Visa in September last year to “recognise the contribution migrants made during COVID-19”.
The 2021 Resident visa was a one-off, simplified pathway, primarily for migrants already in New Zealand but for some who still had to immigrate, too.
The deadline for applications is now fast approaching. Immigration New Zealand will stop accepting new applications for the 2021 Resident Visa at 11:59 pm on 31 July (NZST).
Skilled migrants eligible for a 2021 Resident Visa are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Stay up to date with the latest news from New Zealand
Keep up to date on future announcements from Immigration New Zealand by following us on Facebook or LinkedIn. We post news as it happens!
- Published in Latest posts, News, Work Visas for New Zealand
New Zealand launches new investor migrant visa

On Wednesday, 20 July, New Zealand’s Minister for Economic and Regional Development, Stuart Nash, announced the launch of the new Active Investor Plus Visa.
The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed to encourage direct investment in high-growth New Zealand companies and replaces the existing Investor 1 and 2 Resident visas.
Why is New Zealand launching the Active Investor Plus Visa?
The New Zealand Government has made the latest change to New Zealand’s investor visa settings to attract experienced, high-value investors who’ll bring growth opportunities to local businesses.
The Active Investor Plus Visa will require applicants to commit to direct investments of NZ$5 million or more, and only 50% of that can be invested in listed equities. The minimum amount required for indirect investments will be $15 million.
“We want to encourage active investment into New Zealand, which generates more high-skilled jobs and economic growth compared to passive investment. This new visa category will also leverage the skills, experience and networks of migrants who will bring their access to global networks and global markets to help Kiwi companies grow faster and smarter,” Minister Nash said.
He added, “Overall, the visa changes are a win-win for New Zealand and migrant investors. Investors secure an opportunity to invest in smart and innovative New Zealand businesses that have the potential to be globally successful, and Kiwi businesses gain valuable skills, connections, and capital. This will make New Zealand more competitive in the international marketplace and take our businesses to the next level.”
What else is there to know about the new investor visa?
With the Active Investor Plus visa, New Zealand is improving the flexibility for investors by allowing them to invest over three years and maintain their investments up to the end of a fourth year.
Investors will have to spend at least 117 days, or around a month per year, in New Zealand over the four-year investment period. This requirement increased from 88 days in the existing investor category to ensure that investors actively get hands-on with local companies to help them grow.
When do applications open?
Immigration New Zealand will start accepting applications for the Active Investor Plus Visa on 19 September 2022.
It’s the end of Investor 1 and 2 visas
Unfortunately, the Active Investor Plus Visa launch spells the end of new applications for the existing Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas.
After 27 July 2022, Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept applications under these categories.
Applications submitted before that date won’t be affected by the closure, and Immigration New Zealand will assess those applications under current visa settings.
Stay up to date with immigration news from New Zealand
Follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn to stay informed about immigration changes that could affect you. We post news as soon as it happens.
- Published in Latest posts, News
Moving to New Zealand as a family: 6 Tips for parents
Remember the last time you tried to get your toddler to eat something new? It didn’t necessarily go down well, did it?
Children don’t always take to change immediately.
Now imagine the moment you tell your child you’re moving to New Zealand. That’s a change so much bigger than a new menu item.
Don’t worry, though!
While moving overseas with kids is not easy, it’s not Mission: Impossible either. As parents, you can make it a pleasant (even enjoyable!) experience for children of all ages with these six tips:
1. Breaking the news
Tell your children you’re moving to New Zealand as soon as you’re confident it will happen. Don’t wait until it’s time to pack up the house! Your children will need time to process the news and get used to the idea.
Get them on board by explaining the reasons for the move and sharing information about New Zealand.
Focus on things that would get your children excited. Do you like going to the beach? Tell them about New Zealand’s beautiful beaches. Even better – show them using Instagram or YouTube videos.
Encourage your children to ask questions, too! Give them honest answers in return. You must create a safe space for your children to communicate their concerns, fears, and curiosity right from the start.
Finally, make it clear that the family is doing this as a team and that you’ll need to work together for a successful and happy move.
2. Continue to communicate
It’s vital to check in with your children throughout your emigration. Find out how they’re feeling. Your kids are going to experience a range of emotions!
You can keep it casual. For example, have conversations at breakfast. It might also be a good idea to have one-on-one conversations. Children often open up more when talking to dad or mom alone.
Whatever your children’s emotions, let them get it all out. Your job is to listen and let your kids know you are there for them throughout this adventure.
3. Let your kids explore New Zealand
Unless you’ve already been to New Zealand, your children won’t know what to expect. That could make the prospect of moving daunting!
Introduce them to your soon-to-be-home as soon as possible with online guides, YouTube videos and age-appropriate books. You’ll also find many articles online with facts about New Zealand specifically for kids.
Once you know where in New Zealand you’ll live, research the city and neighbourhood together. You can ‘walk’ through areas with Google Street View.
Let your children guide the research. Ask them what activities and fun places they’d like to visit. These include parks, libraries, museums, zoos, and swimming pools.
Once your children are familiar with the sights and sounds of the city, ask them where they’d like to visit first. Set a date for soon after you arrive. That’ll give your kids something to look forward to.
4. Make your children feel involved
Making your children part of the planning process as much as possible is essential! It helps them feel valued. It also gives them a connection to their new home.
For example, let your children decide how they want to decorate their bedroom. You can also let them decide which of their belongings they’d like to pack or leave behind. Give some input but don’t control the process.
You can get teenagers involved on a larger scale. Get their input on the neighbourhoods where they’d like to live, what schools they’d like to go to, or show them houses you’re considering.
You don’t have to let them make the final decision about any of these, but consulting teenagers on decisions that’ll affect them (and taking their feedback on board) will foster goodwill.
5. Make time to say goodbye
Let your child have plenty of play dates with their friends before making the big move. Let them see grannies, grandpas, and other beloved family members often.
It’s important also to let children understand that their friendships and relationships with family aren’t at an end. Explain that they can stay in touch and do so once you’re in New Zealand.
Before you go, organise a farewell party with friends and family. You could do one big farewell or separate ones for the adults and kids.
Farewells will allow everyone to say goodbye before you leave. It’ll create great memories too! Take lots of photos and put them up in your new home.
6. Make the big day exciting
Kick off your family’s adventure on a high note by making the moving day special! Here are some ideas:
- Camp out together as a family in the lounge the night before. Watch movies on a laptop and have everybody’s favourite snacks ready!
- Prepare a special breakfast or go out to your favourite café one last time.
- Take a family photo in front of your house and frame it.
- Let grandparents drive you to the airport to give everyone extra time together.
- Ask everyone to share what they love most about where you’ve lived and what they’re most excited about your new home on the way to the airport.
- Pack an activity pack for each child, and hand them to your kids at the airport.
In summary
When you’re moving overseas as a family, open and regular communication with children is critical to address their feelings and concerns. Listen more than you talk!
To get your kids on board and looking forward to what lies ahead, involve them in the process and let them explore their new home online or through books. It’s essential also to give your children the chance to say goodbye to their friends and family. Don’t leave without doing so, or you’ll have unhappy children!
The final step to success is making the moving day special. There’ll be no time for tears when everyone is excited about the family’s new adventure.
- Published in Family Immigration, Latest posts, New Zealand Immigration Advice
New Accredited Employer Work Visa goes into effect on 4 July 2022
New Zealand is introducing the new Accredited Employer Work Visa on 4 July 2022.
With this visa, Immigration New Zealand is streamlining the immigration process while also addressing skills shortages in the country.
Here’s everything you should know:
1. The Accredited Employer Work Visa streamlines the immigration system
New Zealand is excited about its “rebalanced immigration system” that’ll incentivise and attract highly skilled migrants while simplifying the immigration processes for businesses.
At the centre of this rebalanced immigration system is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The AEWV streamlines the system by replacing six work visas that were previously available:
- Essential Skills Work Visa
- Essential Skills Work Visa — Approved in principle
- Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa,
- Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
- Silver Fern Job Search Visa (closed to new applications on 7 October 2019)
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa
There is no need to panic if you live and work in New Zealand on any of these visas. You can continue doing so until your visa expires or you no longer meet its conditions.
If you want to live and work in New Zealand after your visa expires, you may apply for the AEWV if you meet the requirements. If you don’t, you’ll have to explore other visa options.
2. There is a new Green List of occupations under the AEWV
Immigration New Zealand has issued a new skills shortage list called the Green List with 85 hard-to-fill roles in critical sectors of New Zealand’s economy.
You don’t have to work in a Green List occupation to apply for an AEWV, but it does offer three distinct advantages:
2.1. The Green List offers a fast track to residence
Migrants who qualify can come to New Zealand on an AEWV and apply for residence from September 2022.
Occupations on the Green List that offer a fast track to residence are in the following sectors:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Health and social services
- Primary industries and sciences
- ICT, electronics, and telecommunications
2.2. The Green List also offers a work-to-residence pathway
The Green List offers a work-to-residence pathway to skilled workers with occupations in:
- Health and social services
- Trades
- Agriculture
AEWV holders who qualify for work-to-residence cannot apply for residency immediately but can do so after two years of working in New Zealand.
2.3. PLUS, employers hiring for Green List occupations don’t have to advertise for the job check
New Zealand employers who want to hire a migrant on an AEWV in an occupation on the Green List do not have to advertise for the job check. The proviso is that the criteria for the role must at least match the occupation’s minimum requirements as it appears on the Green List.
3. The AEWV is valid for up to three years, and you must earn at least the median wage
You’ll get a visa valid for the duration of your employment, up to a maximum of three years, if your application for an AEWV is successful. To get the visa, you must earn at least the New Zealand median wage of NZ$27.76.
However, applicants from specific sectors, including construction and infrastructure, tourism and hospitality and the aged care sector, will be exempt from the minimum salary requirement.
Immigration New Zealand will issue two-year work visas for these exception categories instead.
After holding the visa for two years, migrants will have to spend 12 consecutive months outside of New Zealand before being allowed to apply for another AEWV.
4. Most dependent spouses or partners must apply for an AEWV in their own right to work in New Zealand
Your dependent spouse or partner will get a visitor visa to enter New Zealand. Most spouses and partners who then want to work in New Zealand must apply for an AEWV in their own right. These applications open from December 2022.
5. There are three steps to the AEWV process
To hire workers from overseas under the AEWV, New Zealand employers must have accreditation and pass a job check unless it’s an occupation on the Green List.
The job check is in place to ensure there aren’t suitable New Zealanders to fill the role that the employer is advertising.
Without accreditation and a job check, the employer can’t hire from overseas, and you can’t apply for an AEWV.
The three steps to the AEWV are thus as follows:
- The employer applies for accreditation, and Immigration New Zealand checks their credentials
- The job check, which is the assessment of the job details and any job advertising
- Your AEWV application, during which Immigration New Zealand assesses your credentials
Employer accreditation opened on 23 May, and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) estimated it would take 10 working days to process accreditation applications. Job check applications open on 20 June, and INZ expects to process those applications in 10 working days.
Contact us if you need help applying for an AEWV
There will surely be a rush of applications for the Accredited Employer Work Visa as soon as it opens on the 4th of July.
While Immigration New Zealand has said that it’ll process applications within 30 days, there is no telling if it’ll be possible to stick to this timeline.
Our advice to you is thus to submit your application as soon as possible! You can get started by booking an obligation-free consultation call with our licensed advisor to determine if you qualify for the AEWV.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Work Visas for New Zealand, Working in New Zealand
Immigration News: May 2022

On 11 May 2022, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealand would reopen to all tourists and visa holders at 11:59 pm on 31 July 2022. That is two months sooner than initially planned!
The announcement also included details of the New Zealand Government’s “rebalanced immigration system” to address the country’s immediate skill shortages and speed up the economic recovery from COVID-19.
1. New Zealand fully reopens on 1 August!
New Zealand closed its borders to the world in 2020 and started to gradually reopen to different visa and visitor categories earlier this year.
On the 1st of August or 11:59 pm on 31 July, New Zealand is finally reopening completely for all visitors and visa holders!
Prime Minister Ardern rightly said that this announcement is welcome news for families, businesses and New Zealand’s migrant communities.
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash added that bringing the final border opening date forward allows New Zealand to fully reconnect to the world in time for the country’s traditional peak visitor season.
“Our wider tourism sector is on the way to recovery. We will be fully open to the world in mid-winter, traditionally our quietest period for visitors. Bringing forward the date allows prospective travellers to apply for visitor visas well ahead of time before taking the next step to book a flight or a cruise for future travel,” Minister Nash said.
2. Change ahead for international students once New Zealand reopens
Education Minister Chris Hipkins said the full reopening of the border is a significant milestone for the educational sector, which can now start to rebuild sustainably. The focus was on volume in the past, but that will change with the focus shifting to value.
To facilitate this shift, Immigration New Zealand will implement these changes:
- Students in non-degree level courses will not get post-study work rights except where they are studying and working in specified shortages and skilled occupations.
- For degree-level and other eligible international students, the length of time they can work after their students will mirror the time they study in New Zealand. Masters and PhD students will retain the right to work in New Zealand for up to three years after their studies.
- Students will also not be able to apply for a second post-study visa in New Zealand.
3. Simplified immigration processes and a new occupation list to benefit skilled migrants and employers
The New Zealand Government has announced a “rebalanced immigration system” that’ll incentivise and attract highly-skilled migrants and simplify immigration processes for businesses.
The cornerstone of this rebalanced immigration is the new Green List that features 85 hard-to-fill roles in construction, engineering, trades, healthcare and tech.
The other key component is the new Accredited Employer Work Visa that comes into effect on 4 July 2022.
“Through the Accredited Employer Work Visa, employers won’t need to provide as much information, can use their own recruitment processes to prove no New Zealanders are available for work, and Immigration New Zealand will endeavour to have these visas processed within 30 days once an employer is accredited,” Prime Minister Ardern said.
One of the critical requirements of the Accredited Employer Work Visa will be that the visa applicant earns at least the median wage. The current median wage is NZD27.76 an hour, and it’s updated once a year.
The wage requirement does affect some industries more than others, but the New Zealand Government is working closely with those sectors to assist with the transition.
Individual workers are also affected, but Minister of Immigration Kris Faafoi announced that the Government would extend the visas of around 20,000 visa holders already in the country to ensure skilled workers stay in New Zealand. This extension will be specifically for visa holders with visas expiring before 2023. They’ll either get a six-month extension or a new two-year visa with open work conditions.
Stay up to date with immigration news from New Zealand
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- Published in Latest posts, News, Work Visas for New Zealand, Working in New Zealand
What skills do new Zealand need right now?
New Zealand is rebuilding its economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, New Zealand is in dire need of overseas professionals with engineering, IT, and construction skills.
New Zealand is also recruiting teachers from overseas as COVID-19 created a shortage of education professionals.
You can book your consultation call right away if you’re in one of these industries and you want to find out if you qualify for a work visa.
Once that’s done, continue reading to find more about working in New Zealand in each skills area.
1. Engineers
Engineering skills are in short supply in New Zealand. According to New Zealand Now, it’s estimated that New Zealand needs 1,500 engineers more each year just to match economic growth.
And it’s an exciting time to be an engineer in New Zealand.
The Government pledged NZ$12 billion in 2020 to infrastructure upgrades as part of its Upgrade Programme. The Programme will focus on rails, roads, schools, and hospitals to future-proof New Zealand’s economy.
Engineering occupations on the Skills Shortage lists
New Zealand’s Skill Shortage lists include a wide range of engineering occupations, including engineers, draughting professionals, and technicians:
- Chemical Engineer (233111)
- Materials Engineer (233112)
- Civil Engineer (233211)
- Geotechnical Engineer (233212)
- Structural Engineer (233214)
- Electrical Engineer (233311)
- Electronics Engineer (233411)
- Industrial Engineer (233511)
- Mechanical Engineer (233512)
- Production or Plant Engineer (233513)
- Environmental Engineer (233915)
- Engineering Professionals nec (233999)
- Civil Engineering Technician (312212)
- Electrical Engineering Technician (312312)
- Electronic Engineering Technician (312412)
- Telecommunications Engineer (263311)
- Telecommunications Network Engineer (263312)
- Civil Engineering Draughtsperson (312211)
- Electrical Engineering Draughtsperson (312311)
How much do engineers get paid in New Zealand?
You’ll find salary information for engineers in New Zealand on PayScale. To get you started, we’ve listed the salaries for chemical, environmental and industrial engineers below:
Finding engineering jobs in New Zealand
Engineering New Zealand, the professional body for engineers in New Zealand, is your first port of call when job hunting. Their website has a job section with available positions across all New Zealand regions.
You can also explore these job websites:
2. IT specialists
New Zealand’s tech sector comprises over 20,000 firms that employ more than 100,000 people. And it is renowned globally for being a flexible, resilient, adaptable, and entrepreneurial environment.
Traditionally, most tech workers lived and worked in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, but that picture can look different in the future, thanks to more companies offering remote work.
IT occupations on the Skills Shortage lists
New Zealand needs various IT professionals, ranging from web developers to security specialists:
- Multimedia Specialist (Film Animator) (261211)
- ICT Project Manager (135112)
- Organisation and Methods Analyst (224712)
- ICT Business Analyst (261111)
- Systems Analyst (261112)
- Multimedia Specialist (261211)
- Web Developer (261212),
- Analyst Programmer (261311)
- Software Tester (261314)
- Developer Programmer (261312)
- Software Engineer (261313)
- Software and Applications Programmers nec (261399)
- Database Administrator (262111)
- ICT Security Specialist (262112)
- ICT Support Engineer (263212)
- Systems Administrator (262113)
- Computer Network and Systems Engineer (263111)
- Network Administrator (263112)
- ICT Quality Assurance Engineer (263211)
- ICT Systems Test Engineer (263213)
- Telecommunications Engineer (263311)
- ICT Support and Test Engineers nec (263299)
- Telecommunications Network Engineer (263312)
- ICT Customer Support Officer (313112)
How much do IT workers get paid in New Zealand?
IT professionals get paid well in New Zealand. However, your salary will still depend on your occupation, skills, and experience.
Here’s what web developers, security specialists, and system administrators earn annually on average:
Finding IT jobs in New Zealand
There are plenty of IT jobs in the market. You can use any of the websites below to look for suitable positions:
3. Construction workers
New Zealand’s Upgrade Programme will not only benefit the engineering industry, as discussed earlier, but also the construction sector. It’s estimated that around 4,800 construction jobs will be created each year until 2028.
Most jobs will be in residential buildings in New Zealand’s largest cities and regions, mainly Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, the Waikato region, and Bay of Plenty.
The fastest-growing sector is projected to be infrastructure, specifically transport, water, and subdivision projects.
In short? It’s an excellent time to immigrate to New Zealand if you’re a construction worker.
Construction occupations on the Skills Shortage lists
New Zealand needs construction workers at all levels of the industry:
- Construction Project Manager (133111)
- Project Builder (including Building Project Manager and Site Foreman) (133112)
- Quantity Surveyor (233213)
- Surveyor (232212)
- Construction Project Manager (Foreman) (Roading and Infrastructure) (133111)
- Project Builder (including Building Project Manager and Site Foreman) (133112)
- Building Associate (312112)
- Surveying or Spatial Science Technician (Building Information Modelling Professional) (312116)
- Building Inspector / Building Surveyor (312113)
- Surveying Technician (Spatial Science Technician/Land Surveyor’s Technician) (312116)
- Surveying Technician (Spatial Science Technician/ Hydrographic Technician) (312116)
How much do construction workers get paid in New Zealand?
Construction workers are paid well in New Zealand. Here are the average annual salaries for quantity surveyors, building inspectors, and construction project managers:
Finding construction jobs in New Zealand
You can find opportunities in the construction industry on these job websites:
4. Teachers
New Zealand has a great education system, and it’s one that’s well supported. The country has been spending one of the highest proportions of its GDP on primary to tertiary educational institutions among OECD countries.
New Zealand’s education system has also been recognised as one that prepares students for the future. Students aren’t only taught subject matter but also life skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, entrepreneurship, and digital skills.
You can thus expect to teach in an exciting environment and in a country that supports its schools and teachers.
Teaching occupations on the Skills Shortage lists
New Zealand’s Skill Shortage lists include these teaching occupations:
- Early Childhood (Preprimary School) Teacher (241111)
- Primary School Teacher (241213)
- Secondary School Teacher (241411)
How much do teachers get paid in New Zealand?
You can expect to earn these average annual salaries when teaching in New Zealand:
Finding teaching jobs in New Zealand
New Zealand’s Ministry of Education’s website has a vacancies section with public sector teaching jobs. You can search by region, sector, learning area, and position type. It’s an excellent place to start your job search!
Can’t find a job there? Then you could try Seek and Trade Me.
What are the work visas for which skilled workers can apply?
As someone with an occupation on a Skills Shortage list, you could qualify for a Skilled Migrant visa, or an Essential Skills work visa.
1. Skilled Migrant visa
The Skilled Migrant Visa is a residency visa that allows you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely. In your residence application, you can include your partner and dependent children who are 24 and younger.
To apply for a Skilled Migrant visa, you must:
- Be 55 or younger
- Have an offer of skilled employment
- Get at least 160 points in your skills assessment
- Pass your English test
- Meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements
2. Essential Skills Work Visa
The Essential Skills Work Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in New Zealand for up to three years. Your partner or dependent children may be able to apply separately for visas based on their relation to you.
To apply for an Essential Skills work visa, you must meet these requirements:
- You must have a full-time job offer from a New Zealand employer.
- Immigration New Zealand must be satisfied that there are no suitable New Zealanders to fill the position.
- Your remuneration must be according to the ANZSCO level of your occupation.
- Your occupation must appear on a Skills Shortage list, and you must have the necessary skills and experience to carry out this occupation.
Please note that the Essential Skills work visa will get replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa from 4 July 2022.
Want to find out if you qualify for either work visa?
If you work in engineering, construction, or IT, or you’re a teacher, you can find out if you can apply for a work visa by completing an eligibility assessment.
Our licensed immigration advisor can do such an assessment with you. You’ll get personalised immigration recommendations based on the outcome.
Sound good? Then go ahead and book a consultation call. You’ll also get to ask any questions you might have during your consultation.
* All salaries derived from PayScale.
- Published in Latest posts, New Zealand Immigration Advice, Working in New Zealand