Chamber of Commerce launches migrant work scheme

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce and Industry is looking for "Newkiwis" - new immigrants seeking work experience.

The chamber and the Department of Work and Income have formed a joint venture to match immigrants with employers for up to eight weeks over the Christmas period.

The scheme is free for employers and will help immigrants get a feel for the New Zealand workplace.

The Newkiwi scheme is based around a website that lists new immigrants who have registered and tries to match them with businesses wanting staff.

More than 3000 have registered and over 90 per cent are tertiary qualified.