That’s A Wrap

Before we sign off for the year (we close today) and everyone in New Zealand heads to the beach, BBQ’s and spending time with family (fighting over the Christmas ham), we thought it would be good to wrap this year up with a bow and send it off in style. So a final post, with a few highlights from 2024, not only in the visa space but from around the country.

For some of you, 2025 might be the year, you decide to make the move and some of what we have outlined below will help you be better informed as you make that decision. For others, who are already here, having run the visa gauntlet over the last 12 months, you will be able to appreciate what an interesting year it has been in Aotearoa.

The Good, the Bad and the Downright Crazy

Well, the standout news from 2024 probably has to be the US elections (and yes there is a visa component to this) - what a ride that was (and always seems to be). The number of US nationals phoning in to work out whether NZ was a good escape plan, went through the roof and we have been consulting with them ever since. Whilst these sorts of events always create more interest in New Zealand, it is rare to see this many very committed candidates coming through - people who are getting on board to make the move.

We have had a raft of policy changes, which seems to have become the norm over the last few years (or certainly since Covid upset the apple cart) but we also had a few backflips along the way. Previously introduced policies were rolled back or updated, and we ended the year with a clear signal that the rigidity of the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme is being eased. Partner Visas were opened back up to remove the previously imposed conditions and then imposed skill requirements were lowered. The big news being the removal of the median wage threshold in 2025.

Clearly the Government is appreciating that there is a balance to be struck between protecting local work opportunities and also being able to attract the right level of talent. There remains a long way to go, but I suspect we are on a very different track from years gone by.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand finally began to ease interest rates, potentially a bit too slowly for some, but clearly showing that it was time to loosen the reigns. Economically it has been a tough year for the country, although that is something plenty of other countries have had to struggle with. Unemployment here has tipped back up, but still remains lower than predicted and there are still significant shortages in various sectors. Interest rates falling (more cuts in February) will hopefully bring some slow but steady optimism back to the system, which means increasing intentions to hire more staff.

Immigration New Zealand caused a bit of a fuss, declining a Visa for a rather vocal and provocative social and political commentator, only for the Minister to then turn around and approve the Visa a few weeks later. Darren Watkins Junior (aka IShowSpeed) did a whirlwind tour of New Zealand, only to then be told his activities here were under review as he might have been in breach of his conditions (that was quickly shuffled under the carpet).

We banned Greyhound racing, based on concerns over animal welfare (bit of a win for animal lovers!) and then meanwhile in Dunedin, a ban was imposed on farewell hugs exceeding three minutes - you really can’t make this stuff up. Of course there was some logic to that last one, given excessive hug duration does lead to congestion. We are nothing if not progressive and a little over the top in the case of Dunedin airport.

On the technology side, OpenStar Technologies, which is a small tech-startup in Wellington successfully created and confined plasma - a super-hot cloud of ionized gas - at temperatures reaching 300,000 degrees Celsius for 20 seconds. This accomplishment is a major first step toward achieving the conditions necessary for nuclear fusion, which could ultimately lead to cheap, eco-friendly power. No small thing to be chasing and we are years ahead of others trying to achieve the same thing. For those tech-types out there (I am one), New Zealand is pretty cutting-edge in terms of this stuff and you just have to look around to see we are leading the field in plenty of areas of tech and space exploration (yep we are doing that to).

It was by all accounts a year of ups and downs, but like all years that have come before, is now drawing to a close. I would say most of us in New Zealand, will be looking forward to seeing this year end, and aiming for something a little different in 2025. I do like the fact that “survive to 2025” became “thrive in 2025” in the latter part of this year and I think we could all do with that sense of optimism. For a small country at the bottom of the earth, we had (and still have) our challenges, but equally we had our successes and remain a very popular place for people to want to make the move to.

For those of you out there, considering a new start in a new country in the new year, the recent changes to our system, the speeding up of visa processes and the overall direction we are heading in, should come as very positive news.

To 2025 And Beyond…

If I had to pick what might happen in 2025, in terms of the immigration space, and as I have previously suggested in other posts, I suspect we will see more of the same - tweaks, changes and improvements. Adjustments will continue to be made to the Work Visa process to take out the overly complex (but not that onerous) paperwork that employers need to complete, we will see benefit from the removal of the median wage thresholds and see more focus being placed on bringing higher skilled candidates across the border.

I think we will also see changes to the Skilled Migrant Category system as well, particularly as it ties in to the Work Visa process, wage requirements and so forth - perhaps not big sweeping changes, but sensible modifications to make it all tie-in a bit more practically. This is of course a much bigger fish to fry, but it needs to happen. There are a fair few easy changes the Government could roll out that would remove some of the inconsistencies and contradictions between those two sets of rules.

A new investor policy will be rolled out in 2025, which will come as very welcome news to a number of applicants who have been waiting for the existing policy to be sidelined, and we might even see the start up of the long-promised “Parent Boost” visa, given parents more time to spend in New Zealand with their families.

One thing is for sure, 2025 will bring more twists and turns and our roles as advisers will continue to be as interesting, varied and as vital as it has always been.

Whether you are here enjoying your first Kiwi summer or gearing up to join us in the new year, stay safe these holidays, relax, enjoy and recharge.

Have a great festive season, no matter how you celebrate - from the Turner Hopkins Immigration team.

Until 2025!