New Zealand First Immigration spokesperson Clayton Mitchell is applauding the Coalition Government’s focus on regional skills shortages, and vision for reforming immigration.

“The refinement to make skills shortage lists more regionalised is the first step in addressing our countries immigration woes after nine years of the National party’s open borders approach,” said New Zealand First Spokesperson for Immigration Clayton Mitchell.

“The new listings revealed today by the Immigration Minister demonstrate the kinds of skills we need in specific regions, and encourage the regional dispersion of immigrants to places other than Auckland and the main centres.

“The Government plans to simplify the number of different visa options and ensure that businesses that benefit from the skilled-based visa system are providing opportunities for Kiwi workers.

“The previous Government did not address our skills shortages, allowed employers to bring in workers for jobs that could have been filled by New Zealanders, and put significant strain on our cities’ infrastructure through mass immigration.

“New Zealand First is determined to get our countries immigration settings correct. We are ensuring that we employ and train New Zealanders wherever possible, as well as supporting sensible options like the Recognised Seasonal Employer programme for where there is a genuine and short-term shortage of workers,” said Mr Mitchell.

© Scoop Media