Employers struggling to find competent staff to fill vacancies are facing the worst national skills deficit in almost a decade.
Statistics New Zealand figures last week showed that, in the year to May, almost 44,750 New Zealanders migrated to Australia, the highest exodus of Kiwis across the Tasman
in more than a decade. At the same time, 13,555 Australians made the move in the opposite direction. The net annual population outflow of 31,194 to Australia was the highest since 2001.
Organisers of the New Zealand Herald Your Career Expo, to be held in Auckland on September 27-28, have said competition for skilled workers is now an international phenomenon and local employers have to be prepared to battle for the best workers.
Expo organiser Michael Scott said employers needed to market their workplace with the same intensity as they promoted their products and services to their customers.
"The new economy means that the strategy companies have in place for recruitment is a vital component of their entire business plan," he said.
"Securing the right skills and the right cultural fit into an organisation is as important as any other facet of doing business today.
"And with Australia facing its own skills crisis, employers there have no hesitation in hunting for good workers here."
The Statistics NZ figures showed Australia was the main destination for New Zealand migrants.
The United Arab Emirates, in the middle of a construction-led economic boom, was the only other nation with a net gain of people from New Zealand.
The local population was topped up by net gains from the United Kingdom (7256), India (4318), Fiji (2599) and South Africa (2332) but the drain to Australia was at its highest.
The New Zealand Herald Your Career Expo, to be held at the ASB Showgrounds, will be the largest gathering of careers professionals in the country.
Exhibitors in four pavilions will provide careers counselling and answer questions from potential future employees.
"The market for labour is still intense," Mr Scott said.
"Unemployment is still well under 4 per cent and businesses need to sharpen their recruitment practices to attract the best candidates."
* To pre-register for the expo, go to www.yourcareerexpo.co.nz for free tickets, or pay $10 at the door.
