NEWS RELEASE from Hutt City Council

24 August 2001
IMMIGRATION FORUM

Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel will be the key note speaker at an immigration forum, to be held on Wednesday 28 August at the Little Theatre.

Other speakers include Hutt City's Mayor John Terris, Wellington City Councillor Alick Shaw and Exicom's David Haynes.

Hutt City Mayor John Terris said attracting skilled migrants was a key issue for Hutt City.

"If we are to grow and thrive as a city then we need to look at all options and remain focused on finding ways to keep our economy invigorated and growing," said Mayor Terris.

The issue of immigration was first raised at the Mayors Forum back in May and grew out of a realisation that the Wellington region has been about average compared with the rest of New Zealand in its attempts to attract overseas migrants.

Forum participants will be asked to consider three questions in focus group discussions:

1. What strategies can be put in place to improve the connection between a potential migrant and a job in the region?

2. What can we do to make the Wellington region more attractive to migrants?

3. What role does education play in attracting migrants?

It is intended that a discussion paper will be released following the forum.

ENDS For further information please contact: Kim Kelly General Manager, Strategic Development DDI: 570 6949

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