Mr Taylor is a Brit and a director of The Emigration Group who has lived in New Zealand for the past 20 years, managing this side of the business — specifically, connecting Brits with New Zealand employers.
“With closed borders for the past couple of years to all but a few ‘essential workers’, to say that Kiwi businesses are now struggling to find suitably skilled staff is something of an understatement,” he says.
“Large companies with HR departments have the time and skill-set to plan ahead. However, some SMEs may not have the necessary resources to implement such effective planning. Projects such as retention of key staff, future workforce planning and graduate programmes are not as frequently practised and money to spend on employer branding isn’t always on the to-do list.”
Mr Taylor is already recruiting for two medium-sized companies in Gisborne and is keen to hear from other local businesses, big or small, who need skilled staff.
“Gisborne and the surrounding area has always been a favourite location with Brits and is going to be even more so now, given the prospect of home ownership in Auckland is out of reach for most,” he says.
“With a solid work ethic and little or no cultural differences, Brits have proved they settle well on these shores. Our current database comprises around 50,000 British candidates from all backgrounds — trades and professionals — many of whom will be hoping that 2022 is the year they make a break with the UK.”
Mr Taylor says questions that SME owners/managers need to be asking are:
• Is my company in a sector experiencing skill shortages?
• What skills are essential for me to remain in business?
• Which of my employees might be retiring soon?
“Identifying skills shortages is one thing but knowing how best to fill them can be tricky at the best of times.
“Recruiting the best talent and skills from abroad is a smart move but requires a totally different approach from recruiting on-shore.
“How serious are the candidates you may wish to consider? Who will screen them? Immigration policy can be complex, so how will you know if they are eligible for a work or residence visa? Add to this that under new government policy, New Zealand companies wanting to employ overseas personnel must first become fully accredited with Immigration NZ.
“Many employers are blissfully unaware of this new requirement.
“There is no doubt that it helps if you can work with experts to come up with innovative ways to identify, source and attract talent. In the long term it will also help if you can develop your employer brand awareness to overseas candidates as early as possible and to engage with people before you need them.”
■ Geoff Taylor can be contacted on 021 405 859 or email:
