Updates to Queenstown's lists of occupations in short supply
Immigration New Zealand uses Ministry of Social Development (MSD) undersupply and oversupply lists to determine if New Zealanders are available to fill certain roles in some regions. This verification is referred to as a labour market test, and is meant under the Essential Skills Work visa category to ensure that no New Zealanders are available to fill the role, before a foreign national can be offered the position and apply for a work visa on that basis.
What are the changes?
From 1 December, certain hospitality and tourism occupations will be added to the Queenstown area undersupply list. This area includes Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Kingston, Glenorchy, Hawea and Wakatipu. This will allow more employers to support a work visa application for roles paid below the median wage.
The following occupations will be added to the undersupply list for the area covered by the Queenstown Lakes District Council:
- 351311 - Executive Chef, Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, Chef de Partie, Commis Chef
- 351411 - Cook
- 431111/ 431511 - Restaurant supervisor
- 431511 - Waiter
- 431111 - Bartender
- 431112 - Barista
- 851299 - Butchery assistant
- 851211 - Bakery assistant
- 851299 - Food trades assistant
- 851111 - Fast food cook
- 851311 - Kitchen hand
- 431411 - Concierge
- 542113 - Hotel or Motel Receptionist
- 811211 - Cleaner
- 431912 - Porter
- 811511 - Laundry Attendant
- 811411 - Housekeeper
- 452299 - Outdoor Adventure Guide
- 452217 - Raft Guides
- 452214 - Canyon Guide
- 451412 - Tour Guide
What this changes for employers
Employers will no longer have to provide a Skills Match Report from the occupations above, but they will still need to advertise their vacancies and demonstrate they have made genuine attempts to attract and recruit suitable New Zealanders.
Oversupply and undersupply lists (Work and Income)
What this changes for visa applicants
The key change for a visa applicant is the acknowledgement that these skills and positions are in short supply in the region.
When are these changes implemented?
This list will be used in Immigration’s assessment of Essential Skills work visa applications paid below NZD$25.50 from 1 December 2020, regardless of the application lodgement date.
