Skilled migrants heading to regions
Only 40% of last year’s arrivals with in-demand skill sets stayed in Auckland
Just two in five skilled and business migrants now settle in Auckland, instead of more than half five years ago. Last year, 4874 of the 12,106 migrants (40 per cent) who arrived under the business and skilled migration stream stayed in Auckland, according to new data released to the Herald by Immigration New Zealand.
Canterbury, Wellington and Waikato were the next three most popular destinations.
Back in the 2012/2013 year, 51 per cent — or 4656 of 9109 — who moved here through the migrant category settled in Auckland.
Massey University sociologist and immigration expert Professor Paul Spoonley said efforts by the previous Government and changes in regional economies had contributed to the change.
“One factor is the points allocated for those settling outside of Auckland, but equally important has been the need to meet regional [skill shortages] associated with the rebuild in Christchurch and the struggle to get health professionals in regions,” he said.
Since 2015, new and would-be skilled immigrants were given extra incentives to take up jobs and settle outside of Auckland.
Those with offers for jobs in the regions, and who commit to remain there for at least 12 months, will get extra points that will count towards their residency application.
“Given skill shortages in some sectors and some regions, and the declared intention of the new Government, I expect that more skilled immigrants will be diverted from Auckland to meet regional needs,” Spoonley said.
“But all this is dependent on whether the Government will also cut immigrant arrivals overall, and whether these cuts will be focused on low-skilled.”
Spoonley said migrants to Auckland had more settlement options and migration pathways.
“Auckland is still the destination for two out of every five skilled immigrants, which is still three times higher than the next region, Canterbury, at 14 per cent,” Spoonley said.
“But Auckland completely dominates the international student market, has a large number of non-skilled migrant category arrivals and has a much more complex labour market with many more options for immigrant pathways to settlement.”
Skilled migrants are being drawn to Canterbury because of the rebuild, he said, and Queenstown’s labour market is dominated by temporary and working holidaymakers rather than permanent immigrant arrivals.
Spoonley said occupational shortage lists reflecting regional, rather than national, demand and a partnership where regions play a more active role in immigrant recruitment and approval were needed to better balance the spread of migrants.