The number of people migrating to and from New Zealand each year is higher than ever before. Like almost all industrialized societies, New Zealand's distribution of jobs is increasingly polarized between work-rich and work-poor households. On average, the skills required by employers are increasing. This is being driven by changes in technology, new work practices and the growth of service industries. Although immigrants on average earn less, they have higher than average education levels than the average New Zealander. People with better literacy skills have better job prospects and higher earnings. Work-life balance is of growing importance to employers, workers and society in general. The current unemployment rate ranges between 3.9 and 4.2%.

Some employment agencies in New Zealand fear that the impact of new technologies will mean that automation and outsourcing will lead to fewer jobs. But there are indications that seem to point to these effects not being so severe. Whereas it seems likely that there will be fewer lower-skilled jobs, the overall effect of new technologies is expected to result in higher, rather than lower, employment. While globalization is changing the characteristics of some jobs and the way some businesses operate, it's likely that this, too, will increase the demand for a more skilled workforce. The number of young people entering the workforce over the next few decades will be considerably fewer than the number of people retiring. Over the years, as fewer young people join the workforce, recruiting may become more difficult. Employers may create more flexible working arrangements to retain older employees.

--

Got something to add to this section? Spotted something which should be changed? Please let us know!

Click here to return to the contents page for "New Zealand - an expatriate guide."