MEDIA RELEASE

(Attention Chief Reporters - for immediate release)

Immigration changes mean more tradespeople for New Zealand

2 July 2003

The Government's review of the General Skills component of the Skilled/Business stream of the New Zealand Immigration Programme has led to the replacement of the General Skills Category with a new Skilled Migrant Category. The intent of the legislation is to address skill shortages.

"The Minister Lianne Dalziel has stated that the new system will mean that skilled tradespeople are more likely to be able to come to New Zealand", said Darel Hall Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation.

"This measure should play a useful part in addressing skill shortages. Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) have been legislated to 'provide leadership within industry on matters relating to skill and training needs' by in part "identifying current and future skill needs". The articulation of industry skill needs by ITOs will focus the Immigration Service's work"

The Industry Training Federation will make an assessment of the details of the proposed legislative changes, bringing together the knowledge the experience of ITOs, and contribute a submission to the select committee.

ENDS

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