Arno: Election Year Thoughts
Arno Nothnagel
Elections are coming up in NZ at the end of the year, which could mean more changes and updates to immigration policy. Immigration in New Zealand has always been and will continue to be a balancing act - one that requires bipartisan cooperation and long-term planning from current and future governments.
The reality is we're a small country. Only 5.3 million people with an aging population, and major skill shortages across all industries, not to mention a persistent brain-drain problem that doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
We're in a bit of a conundrum. Basically (and this is overly simplified):
Fewer working-age people = smaller workforce, which means less earnings on taxable income
Less taxable income = fewer resources to pay for the infrastructure required to grow NZ
Skills shortages = hinders productivity, trade, economic growth and stability/security
We need skilled people across all industries and sectors. From healthcare to truck drivers, to builders and engineers.
Immigration policies need to 'safeguard' NZ's existing workforce while supplementing the skills shortages that hinder growth and development, ensuring that NZ remains a viable place to stay and contribute to future generations of New Zealanders (and skilled migrants).
Government initiatives I hope to see more of in the coming years:
• A well-designed population policy that informs short and long-term workforce development strategies, addresses skills shortages and promotes entrepreneurship, innovation and investment.
• Immigration policies that take into account existing infrastructure (or lack thereof). Sustainable population growth is a must in a country like NZ.
• More focus and effort on the development and revival of regional towns outside larger city centres, attracting both young New Zealanders and skilled migrants.
As a young nation, we're in a unique position to learn from the political lessons of much older countries. Here's to hoping that our current and future governments move in the right direction, regardless of who is leading.
