I have been in the immigration industry for 16 years (if my memory serves me correctly) and over that time have helped thousands of people make the move to New Zealand - most of them permanently.

I have travelled extensively across Asia, Africa and Europe to meet with would-be migrants, experiencing their worlds and helping them to carve out a new life in our little patch of paradise at the bottom of the earth (or middle-earth as some prefer to call it).

The new Accredited Work Visa scheme is underway with applications for Accreditation (by employers) opening on 23rd May and initial Visa applications starting on 04 July. Meanwhile the global hunt for talent heats up…have you done enough to stay in the game?

It has taken over two years but the borders are opening. Whilst most existing Visa holders or Visa-waiver travellers are able to enter New Zealand, there are also some key dates coming up in terms of offshore Visa processing, particularly for those coming to work or to visit.