Details on South Island immigration policy soon: Craig Foss

(caption for the above picture): Minister of Small Businesses, Craig Foss, addressing the gathering at the Small Business Roadshow in Christchurch on November 7

Following up on Prime Minister John Key's announcement made mid last year of granting skilled migrants and entrepreneurs more points towards residency if they agree to live in the regions, the Government will be announcing the policy details early next year. Minister of Small Businesses, Craig Foss, who is also the Associate Minister for Immigration informed this while attending the Small Business Roadshow organised by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, on November 7, in Christchurch. Notably, there has been criticim of the Government in some quarters about the delay of more than a year in coming out with policy details.

Noting the need for businesses to organically evolve towards a more diverse workplace [rather than the Government stepping in and take some policy measures], the Minister said, "Very soon, by early next year, the Immigration Minister will be announcing details on how to grow the South Island immigration opportunities. This will follow up on the announcement the PM made last year on giving more points to those applying for residency in New Zealand if they have job offers from the regions."

The Minister also invited the Indian community in and around Auckland to the MBIE's Small Business Roadshow being organised especially for the Indian community at the Vodafone Event Centre, Manukau, on November 24. This will be the culmination of a six-month long roadshow of 23 events that started in June. The topics to be discussed will include Regional Business Partners and what they offer; Business.govt.nz – tools and service offering; Statistics New Zealand's website and business toolbox; making tax simpler; health and safety legislation; ACC levies and employment legislation; as well as how to benefit from digital technology.