NZ’s Reputation among world’s best- NZ Herald article
New Zealand has one of the top five reputations in the world, according to a survey of more than 42,000 G8 nation residents.
New Zealand has one of the top five reputations in the world, in the eyes of the globe’s leading nations, new research shows.
The CountryRep study, produced annually by the Reputation Institute in conjunction with Australian research consultancy AMR, put New Zealand at fifth place overall for reputation, trailing behind Canada (1), Sweden (2), Australia (3), and Switzerland (4).
Pakistan, Iran and Iraq were seen as having the least favourable reputations among the more than 50 countries included in the study.
It is the first time New Zealand has been included in the annual research, which polled more than 42,000 residents from G8 nations.
AMR’s reputation practice director and general manager Oliver Freedman said New Zealand’s strength lay in its physical beauty, with the country ranking fourth out of all countries judged.
Respondents also ranked New Zealand in the top ten for being an enjoyable country and offering an appealing lifestyle.
The country was also recommended as a good place to live, visit and to work by respondents, who ranked New Zealand in the top five in this category.
Meanwhile the surveyed revealed New Zealanders were not short on confidence in their own country, and were more positive about themselves than any other nation included in the survey.
Australians came in second, with residents of Greece the most self-critical, coming in last among the countries assessed.
Freedman said New Zealand had a strong profile overseas and its reputation was consistent across multiple measurements.
"In order to continue this strong perception New Zealand would do well to focus on its social areas such as its commentary on world events, and involvement as a global citizen."
Other results showed that the USA only ranked halfway in the overall rankings while Pakistan, Iran and Iraq were seen as having the least favourable reputations among G8 nation residents.
Global reputation rankings
1. Canada
2. Sweden
3. Australia
4. Switzerland
5. New Zealand
6. Norway
7. Denmark
8. Finland
9. Scotland
10. Austria
Posted on 28 Sep 2011 | By Sarah Crome
Where does the time go?
Hi!
It has been a long time since the last blog, time flies when you’re busy! Normally during the New Zealand winter, migration slows down - but not this year. I think the Rugby World Cup may have something to do with the increasing number of migrants getting their migration plans together. Either way, its great to hear from you all and a pleasure to be helping those who are finally taking the plunge after years of dreaming of a new life.
Policy Changes
On the 25th of July there are a number of new immigration policies taking effect. These changes have been hyped up and reported as major changes that will be bad for most migrants when in reality; the changes wont affect 90% of you.
When immigration released the reformed skilled migrant policy 3 years ago they introduced and recognised work experience as a substitute for qualifications. Now immigration are trying to close that gap even further by lowering the points allocated for trade and vocational qualifications and stating that all skilled migrant applications must include a skilled job offer. This is stopping those who could previously apply and be granted residence based on their qualifications or ability to meet the long-term skill shortage list. Now everyone requires a skilled job offer so in essence, immigration have handed the key over to New Zealand employers.
Lastly, immigration have introduced residential development into the acceptable investment list under the investment visa categories. The emphasis here is on new developments that will generate commercial return.
Job Market
The labour market is strong and we have been busy lodging applications for our clients who have received job offers. Congratulations to those of you who have recently secured a job:
Stephen, Joiner, Nelson
Peyman, Senior Project Engineer, Auckland
Pieter, Diesel Mechanic, Hamilton
Helen, Nurse, Tauranga
Ted, Truck Driver, Ashburton
Francis, Farm Manager, Ashburton
Vijay, Herd Manager, Rotorua
Jo, Human Resources Advisor, Invercargill
Claudia, Graphic Designer, Raglan
Jerome, Plastics Technician, Hamilton
Aswath, IT Systems Analyst, Hamilton
Fabien, Marketing Specialist, Hamilton
Bettina, Chef, Mount Maunganui
I recently spoke to a guy who had been trying to secure a job for 5 years! If there are any of you out there who are trying to do this alone I urge you to contact us. Don’t waste 5 years trying to do something that can be done in 6-12 months. If you are getting no response from New Zealand employers its not because they don’t want to employ you its because they haven’t even read your C.V. We speak to every employer who receives your application, making you visible, contactable, easy and quick to employ.
Well the sun is out on this Friday afternoon, so I think its time for me to sign off! I’m going to enjoy the Bastille celebrations this weekend at the La Cigale market in Auckland. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Take care,
Sarah
Posted on 06 Aug 2011 | By Sarah Crome
Bye bye, busy summer!
Hi!
Well it’s been a long and wonderful Summer here in New Zealand. The hot weather and cloudless days are not over yet, but the clocks going forward to recognise the end of daylight savings means winter is not far away.
We all flocked to the beach for the weekends this Summer and some of us ventured away from our local beaches to explore new parts of New Zealand’s coast line. One of my favourites was Whananaki, a small beach town 40 minutes North of Whangarei - no phone reception, thriving camp ground and cute local fish and chip store, loved it!
On the immigration side we have been very busy this Summer, congratulations to all those clients who have recently secured employment! Recruitment is definitely on the rise with some clients receiving a handful of job offers.
On the policy front there have been no big changes however the Long Term Skill Shortage List update is due out soon which may see some surprise occupations added and deleted to the list. Immigration New Zealand have introduced interim visas which are granted to those who have an open application and their new application has not been decided when their current visa expires. This means you can continue to work or stay in New Zealand until your new visa is processed.
If you are still thinking about moving to New Zealand and haven’t yet made contact, please do, we would love to hear from you.
Take care,
Sarah
Posted on 05 Apr 2011 | By Sarah Coombes
Get started today!
Happy New Year! I hope this year is filled with prosperity and achieving dreams, especially if that dream is to make a better future for you and your family in 2011.
Here at New Zealand Shores, we are back on deck after taking 2 weeks off relaxing at the beach with friends and family. I can confirm snapper, tarakihi and crayfish were caught with delight by Allan (the keen fisherman). He also caught A LOT of waves - however that was with the surf board, not the fishing rod!. Jay recorded 5 BBQ’s within a 2 week period and plenty of time spent in the pool! I enjoyed the morning walks (or should I say runs) with my dog on Mount Maunganui beach, and took the time to appreciate many of the native bush walks New Zealand has to offer. Wanda managed to catch a few of the kiwi bands playing over the new year period at iconic kiwi beach pubs, as well as the Blues and Brews Jazz festival at Tauranga. We have all returned in the great mood that a New Zealand summer puts you in... only a little more tanned and knowing slightly more about New Zealand wine and alcohol before we left!
How was your New Year and Christmas spent? We would love to hear from you and know how you celebrated your holiday.
With most businesses now re-opened after the summer break, recruitment has kick started and the market is moving along nicely. As New Zealand continues to surge out of the recession, the job market is flourishing and business confidence is high. This is great news for migrants who require job offers to move to New Zealand. The beginning of every year sees lots of changes in the job market, as many people come back to work promising themselves change or a new beginning for the New Year.
They say procrastination is the enemy of opportunity and I couldn’t agree more. The opportunities available to you and your family in New Zealand are huge; these are not just job opportunities - they are lifestyle, health and happiness. The opportunity for a better future is at your finger tips.
In February 2010, Australia partly closed its migration doors, which cut out a large chunk of potential skilled migrants. These have not been re-opened and it is not known when they will be as the Australian Authorities work through the impact of years of positive net migration. This is just an example of how important it is to act now while you are eligible, than to leave it and have it taken away from you should New Zealand do the same.
A year from now you may wish you had started today! So get in contact with us today, and we will put you firmly on the path to your new life.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sarah
Posted on 18 Jan 2011 | By Sarah Coombes
Wellington - An Attractive Capital
Hello and Warm greetings from New Zealand!
Temperatures are certainly heating up as we begin our first month of Summer. Strawberries are ripening, apples falling, tomatoes blushing and grapes sweetening for the production of delicious New Zealand wine.
I read an article in yesterdays paper that Wellington’s quality of life is attracting skilled migrants to live in the city. The migrants, who came to Wellington under the skilled migrant category, said they had deliberately chosen Wellington above other cities because of the city’s physical beauty and geographical compactness, its unique labour market, educational institutions and family connections.
One comment which I love and think sums up most New Zealand cities and towns was "The lifestyle here is very ideal, you know, I can have a reasonably good job and also urban life (but at the same time) so close to the nature things especially in Wellington, 10 minutes to everything. Ten minutes to beach, 10 minutes to the forest, to the bush, yeah and 10 minutes to downtown."
Last weekend we hooked up the trailer like most kiwis and headed off to the Christmas tree farm to select a Christmas tree - I do love the smell of pine needles! I hope you have your christmas tree up and are enjoying the festivities or traditions you celebrate over this time.
Take care and Merry Christmas!
Sarah
Posted on 08 Dec 2010 | By Sarah Coombes
Permit = Visa!
On the 29th of November a new immigration act comes into force. The major change the new act brings is the introduction of the new universal visa system. A visa will now allow you to travel to, enter and stay in New Zealand without requiring a permit.
Some new terms under the Act are:
"Travel Conditions" tell the holder the number of times they can use their visa and the last date they can use their visa.
"Entry Permission" is granted to a visa holder or someone from a visa waiver country when they arrive at the boarder by completing an arrival card.
"Interim Visa" is granted to an applicant who would have otherwise become unlawful because they are waiting on an application to be decided within the immigration department.
If you want to know how the new act may affect you, please contact us.
Posted on 23 Nov 2010 | By Sarah Coombes