Foreigners flood local job market

More than 2800 foreigners have had work visas approved in Hawke's Bay since July 2010.

On average 533 people a year have visas approved for employment in Hawke's Bay while between 10 and 30 visas were declined annually, according to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment data.

Last year 640 visas were granted - the highest number in five years. Immigration policy allows overseas workers to fill jobs when no New Zealanders are available; when there are skill shortages; under temporary conditions such as for a working holiday; or if they're Chinese nationals, religious workers or a part of other select groups.

Certain occupations in areas such as engineering, health and social services, ICT, electronics and telecommunication, trades and transport are on long-term skill shortages lists. Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wayne Walford said the number of visas approved was higher than he imagined.

"Clearly this region needs skilled migrants and is accepting of them, which is fantastic," he said.

"I think there's a lot more opportunity here than people realise. In lots of regards, especially for people doing export, it's a great connection back to other parts of the world."

Mr Walford believed there were opportunities for migrants in a variety of roles.

"Health is quite a strong one. There also seems to be a cry for experienced engineers, welders and labourers."

Seasonal workers on temporary visas were also in demand, he said.

"Orchardists I've spoken to say they guarantee a level of productivity for them. They're really good at working. They live together and don't have any other distractions so they make sure each other come to work every day."

There were still challenges filling employment gaps in Hawke's Bay, however.

"There's a bit of fear [on the employers' behalf] sometimes. Somebody might have said they had a migrant and it didn't work out so others will be put off hiring them.

"If they settle here, instead of Auckland or Wellington, the houses are cheaper and the rates are lower so they'll have more discretionary income to spend on other things."

Nationally, more than 860,000 people have had work visa applications approved since July 2010.