New Zealand Must Embrace International Talent - New Zealand skills shortages

A new nationwide report has revealed that 87% of Kiwi employers are struggling to fill roles locally — a figure that paints a worrying picture for New Zealand’s future growth and productivity.

From the construction sites building our homes to the transport networks keeping goods moving, employers are facing the same challenge: there simply aren’t enough skilled workers to meet demand.

The Most In-Demand Roles - New Zealand skills shortages

The report highlights several areas under significant pressure with New Zealand skills shortages:

• Technicians and Tradespeople – 46% of employers say these are their hardest roles to fill.

• Machinery Operators and Drivers – 27% report major shortages, affecting logistics, agriculture, and civil construction.

• Managers and Professionals – 24% struggle to recruit qualified staff to lead operations and projects.

These figures underscore the reality that many of the roles critical to New Zealand’s infrastructure, housing, and transport projects cannot be filled through the local labour market alone.

The Real-World Impact on Employers

New Zealand skills shortages don’t just slow hiring — they have a direct impact on project timelines, operating costs, and business growth. Construction companies face delays in residential builds. Freight and logistics firms are running reduced schedules, while manufacturing plants are facing gaps in production and maintenance teams.

Many employers have increased wages or offered flexible hours, but even then, the pool of qualified candidates remains thin.

Employers Turning to Migrant Talent

Faced with these challenges, it’s no surprise that three out of four employers (74%) plan to hire migrant workers within the next three years. The benefits are clear:

• Access to specialised and experienced talent

• Improved reliability and work ethic

• Increased diversity and innovation in the workplace

• Greater workforce stability in industries with high turnover
  

New Zealand has long relied on international talent to fill skill gaps, and for many sectors, migrant workers are the difference between progress and stagnation.

The Barriers: Red Tape and Complex Processes

However, 83% of employers say immigration and compliance processes are holding them back. While New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system was designed to simplify the process, in practice, many businesses find it time-consuming and difficult to navigate — particularly smaller employers who don’t have internal HR or compliance teams.

Common challenges include:

• Understanding accreditation obligations and renewals

• Managing job check requirements and advertising rules

• Keeping track of visa expiry dates and work conditions

• Ensuring roles align with ANZSCO and pay threshold requirements

This complexity has led many employers to seek professional immigration support to avoid costly mistakes or delays.

A Smarter Way Forward

For New Zealand to meet its infrastructure and housing goals, our immigration system needs to be responsive and business-friendly, while maintaining integrity and fairness. Streamlining visa processing, improving communication from Immigration NZ, and ensuring clear, consistent policy settings will be vital to attracting and retaining the global talent New Zealand needs.

But while the system evolves, employers don’t have to wait. Working with a licensed immigration partner can make a significant difference in both speed and compliance.

How NZIES Supports Employers

At New Zealand Immigration & Employment Solutions (NZIES), we specialise in helping businesses unlock access to the skilled international workforce they need to thrive.

Our employer services include:

• Accreditation setup and renewals – ensuring ongoing compliance with Immigration NZ standards.

• Job Check applications – including reviewing job ads, pay rates, and role descriptions to ensure eligibility.

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications – guiding both employers and candidates through every step.

• Residence pathway advice – for businesses wanting to retain skilled staff long-term.

• Policy updates and alerts – so you’re never caught off guard by immigration changes.

Our goal is simple: to take the stress out of the process so you can focus on running your business.

Ready to Build Your Workforce?

If you’re one of the many New Zealand employers struggling to fill roles, now is the time to act.

Our team can help you:

• Secure and maintain your employer accreditation

• Complete job checks and visa applications efficiently

• Plan ahead for workforce and residence pathways
  

  Talk to us about hiring migrant workers.