Further your career with a fresh start in New Zealand

Almost three quarters (72.2%) of young Brits are considering moving abroad at some point, with over 10% of these considering emigrating to New Zealand, according to research from The Fresh Start Show (13-15 May at Londonís ExCeL Centre). One of the showís exhibitors, the New Zealand Immigration Service reports that the country is seeking skilled workers and it can be an excellent way to further your career (see Table 1 in attachment for top ten jobs in demand).



According to the New Zealand Herald (February 2005), New Zealand is experiencing the strongest job market for a generation, and the unemployment rate has fallen to 3.6%, the lowest among developed countries and the lowest since comparable records began 19 years ago.

Ian Riddle, Marketing Director of New Zealand Immigration Service who will be exhibiting at the Fresh Start Show, comments: New Zealand has the lowest unemployment rate within the OECD, and employers are crying out for workers with good qualifications and training. Anyone interested in emigrating should seek the help of a professional and, if possible, find a job before leaving. The whole process can be surprisingly easy if you do your research!

Making a Fresh Start
Twenty eight year-old Stuart Birch from Devon became an official New Zealand resident in December 2004. What was intended to be a brief visit to New Zealand turned into something more permanent when Stuart realised the lifestyle on offer was something he couldnít pass up. The wage here grants you a very good quality of life that you wouldnít have on an equivalent wage at home. I have a beautiful flat with a view here, but if I was in the UK I wouldnít be financially able to live as I do now.

Stuart arrived in New Zealand in March 2002, anticipating a brief holiday before moving on. Iíd spoken to a number of Kiwis travelling in Australia and Asia, and decided to give it a try. However, after receiving a job offer as a Mechanical Patent Officer for the Ministry of Economic Development, he decided to prolong his stay.

Stuart submitted an application under the Skilled Migrant Category at the start of 2004. Originally I was granted a work permit. After four months I received an invitation to apply for residence, and I got my residence in December 2004.

Today Stuart is taking full advantage of the outdoors opportunities his new home has on offer. A keen snowboarder, heís only four hours drive from Mount Ruepehu in the central North Island. The beauty of New Zealand is that itís not only unique, itís accessible. I hadnít meant to stay here but I fell in love with the beauty of the country.

Nick Clark, Managing Director of The Fresh Start Show comments: Making a fresh start in a foreign country is a daunting prospect for anyone, even more so for those who have not researched all their options thoroughly. But, it doesnít have to be that way. Anyone thinking of living, working or investing in New Zealand or anywhere else abroad should visit the Fresh Start show next month as there will be a wide range of exhibitors on hand to answer any questions and provide advice on all aspects of moving abroad.

For further information on moving to New Zealand, a comprehensive list of jobs in demand or further advice, visit the New Zealand Immigration Service stand at the Fresh Start Show, ExCeL Centre, 13-15 May 2005. For tickets and further information on the show visit