2016-Apr 29: Changes to the Canterbury Skill Shortage List

Visa Pak 257 - Advice for staff about about changes made to the Canterbury Skill Shortage List.

Visa Paks

29 April 2016 

Changes to the Canterbury Skill Shortage List

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has completed a review of the Canterbury Skill Shortage List (CSSL) and changes will take effect from 9 May 2016. These changes include adding a requirement for at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand for the following occupations:

  • Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (342111)
  • Carpenter (331212)
  • Carpenter and Joiner (331211)
  • Joiner (331213)
  • Truck Driver (General) (733111)

The purpose of this additional requirement is to facilitate further work visas for migrants already in New Zealand. Although there is currently a short term demand for truck drivers, forecasts indicate a reduction in demand of about 200 in the final quarter of 2016, the period on which employers will now be focusing for overseas recruitment.

This reduction in demand is due to expected completions of infrastructure work in Canterbury. If employers require more workers from offshore they can go through the Canterbury Skills and Employment Hub to test whether there are suitable New Zealanders for the position.

The CSSL has also been updated for changes to the requirements for using the Long Term and Immediate Skill Shortage Lists that became effective from 11 April 2016, to keep the shortage lists consistent.

Action
The new list can be accessed through the Skill Shortage List Checker from 9 May 2016.