International Students in New Zealand - Conflicting Information

As a Licensed Immigration Adviser with a particular interest to help international students in New Zealand, I interact with this group quite often and I realise that they try and make the best out of their circumstances in New Zealand with not a lot of support. And quite often they fall prey to incorrect information garnered through unlicensed and/or incompetent parties who have no idea of how the New Zealand immigration process works.

But because international students are in such a vulnerable and insecure state of mind most are caught between the "word of mouth advice" and the actual law. If you are an international student in New Zealand, this blog and my FB page is a forum for you to ask me any question that is troubling you vis-a-vis jobs, visas, etc and I will be happy to answer and give genuine information.

I am trained, licensed and experienced to give this advice and it will be my endeavor to help you as much as I can. If eventually some of you would like to utilise my services, I will be pleased to assist with that too at a discounted fee specially for international students.

The genuine purpose is to provide legally correct and free immigration advice to international students in New Zealand. So do not hesitate to start asking me questions. And if you like what you advice you get from me, spread the word among your friends who are also international students in New Zealand.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Nga Mihi

Arun Jacob 

Licensed Immigration Adviser 

License Number: 201500460

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NZOptions/ 

Living in New Zealand - A safe environment in an unsafe world

It was heartening to read that Kiwis live in the 4th safest nation on earth behind Iceland, Denmark and Austria. The world we live in has changed so dramatically and violent incidents unheard of before are being perpetrated across the world. A simple day can turn suddenly violent and the unending vortex of violence seems to be just around the corner. In the midst of all this chaos, we in new Zealand have experienced relative safety and I fervently hope it stays that way. Having said that the country has enough resilience and systems in place to ensure that the ongoing safety of the populace will be of the highest priority. The stringent scrutiny in the immigration system is the first bulwark for us and as a Licensed Immigration Adviser I truly appreciate the safeguards that are in place. This includes not just for criminal and terror elements but even for health threats that can subdue an entire country within no time. To the outside world some of our systems may appear to be too stringent but that is what continues to keep us safe. And as a nation we are grateful for these policies and the implementation team because they continue to keep us safe and secure. So if you are considering a safe and secure place for you and your family, look no further and contact me for discussing how the move can be made possible.      

The full article from the New Zealand Herald. 

Nga Mihi (Regards)

Arun

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IT Skills Shortage in New Zealand - The need for migrants in this sector

The focus of my practice is and will continue to be to match the skill shortages in New Zealand with those who possess these skills. And out of the many shortages, of particular interest to me is the IT skills shortage. Not only is IT in the Long Term Skill Shortage List but it is also in the Identified Future Growth Area of New Zealand. Quite obviously this is a high focus area for the government and as a Licensed Immigration Adviser this provides me with an opportunity to match this shortage and thus address the bigger immigration picture. Qualified, experienced and competent IT professionals are sought by many countries and hence it is a challenge to attract them to New Zealand in the face of competition from other countries. However for anyone who chooses to make New Zealand their destination, I personally believe it could be one of the best decisions ever made for themselves and their family. One of the country's leading IT placement companies, Absolute IT has put out a very good blog on their website called "Why New Zealand is awesome and a great place to find your dream IT job". I draw the attention of all IT professionals who are considering an overseas move to have a look at this blog. It is bound to create a definite interest in New Zealand as a destination country.

Nga Mihi (regards)

Arun 

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Finding a job in New Zealand - What an employer wants in a CV.

This is an actual conversation between me and a friend who is a senior finance professional here in New Zealand. I had asked to evaluate the CV of a client who is planning to move to New Zealand. These were the comments:

I have had a quick look at the CV and my initial thoughts CV looks very impressive, hardworking and have good experience. What will help her CV is if she can present the same info in concise format. This is what I look for when I am interviewing and going through CV’s:

·         I need an excellent cover letter to get me to look at CV. 4 pages is too long for me, aim for 2.5

·         Table looks funny – type it

·         Skills – elaborate more

·         Employment history – way too detailed, cut it down and use sharp and short phrases. Refer to the job description and focus on the area they are looking for.

·         Cover letter should say why she is moving to NZ.

·         Has she used any accounting software in uni – like MYOB, Xero. QB – if so, state it?

Hope this helps. 

So that is real feedback from a real person who is a real employer! While this feedback pertains specifically to the financial sector I guess the general principles can be applied to any industry. So make your CV to match what the employer wants to see and not what you want to show off :) This I have seen is an issue with CVs from overseas who are trying extra hard to please prospective employers in New Zealand.

All the best with your New Zealand job search and if you want more guidance, do not hesitate to contact me.

Nga Mihi (regards)

Arun 

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Ethical Practice for a Licensed Immigration Adviser - My Views

In my opinion “ethics” is the conscious decision of an individual to adhere to universally accepted moral values. According to Liezl van Zuyl of the University of Waikato, these moral values pertain to truthfulness, respecting others, helping people in need, not harming anyone and doing what is just and fair. Somewhere in this description is also an inherent suggestion that all personally held beliefs however fair they may be in their own right may not necessarily transform into “universally accepted” moral values. And this is a perfectly good barometer to use when confounded with a thought that seems right to the individual but is not universally accepted. All citizens of a country may not like all laws that are in existence in that country, but once a law is passed all people have to abide by it or be known as “unlawful” or “illegal.” Similarly all widely accepted universal moral laws should prevail over personal beliefs lest the practitioners are termed “unethical”.

While it is not always easy to codify “ethics” I believe the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct 2014 has done a rather comprehensive job of creating a working document that incorporates the key points where ethical and professional dilemmas may arise in the immigration advising process and how to deal with them. This document forms a solid basis for new entrants who do not have the advantage of a well-developed ethical and moral compass that normally aggregates after years of experience. Till such a point of unconscious competence is reached, the Code is the best lodestar by which to set the course in dealing with ethical and professional dilemmas. And hence at this point where I have embarked on the career as a LIA, the best possible way to act in a professional, ethical, socially responsible and culturally sensitive manner in relation to providing immigration advice is to make the Code the guiding document of my practice.

One other very important factor is going to be how I interact, collaborate and work with fellow LIAs who may have years of experience or specialise in areas in which I may not be particularly competent. I foresee the evolution of my career as a LIA also favouring certain areas and not necessarily touching upon all areas of the immigration umbrella. This is very akin to many other professions where specialities are specifically pursued and collaborations created to shore up in areas where one lacks in expertise. This would aptly fit the requirement of the Code to “work within limits of knowledge and skills.” A collective of like minded LIA’s who share thoughts and collaborate will create a better immigration system on the whole and give credence to the very basis of the Immigration Advisers’ Licensing Act of 2007.  

In summary, making the Code as the cornerstone of my practice and collaborating with my fellow LIAs will be the two key elements to adhere to the ethical and professional requirements of my chosen profession.

Nga Mihi (regards)

Arun 

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Living in New Zealand - Understanding the Maori Culture

Tena koe kaipanui, kei te pewhea koe? Haere mai. (Greetings reader, how are you? Welcome.)

And that wonderful greeting and welcome to my reader in Te Reo Maori is the culmination of a year of study to attain a Level 2 competency in the language. Of course I learnt a lot more than just the basic greetings above, and I don't mean just the language. The insight into the wonderful world of the Maori has been a special and very personal experience for me and I am overwhelmed by the aroha (love) I received from my whanau (family) at Te Wananga O Aotearoa (The University of New Zealand). This included the inspiring kaiako (teachers) and my fellow tauira (students). 

I received the certificate in the mail recently and it was a humbling moment. Because this is not a mere piece of paper that says I achieved a certificate, it is much more than that. It is a significant milestone in making Aotearoa (New Zealand) my new kainga (home) and whenua (country). And getting into a country that celebrates its biculturalism (and now multiculturalism with the recent migration) means that it places a responsibility on each new migrant to understand the history and culture of the country. While the pakeha (European) aspects of New Zealand are something that most migrants usually come to understand eventually, I must confess I have not seen a lot of effort from the migrant community to understand the world of the Maori and the tikanga (customs and traditions) that is such an integral part of this world. I was the only Indian on the campus to the best of my knowledge and it was amazing how quickly and wholeheartedly I was accepted as one of the whanau. I have had the privilege of being part of a powhiri (welcome ceremony), of starting and ending my weekly class with a a karakia (prayer), learning the waiata (songs) and kanikani (dance) in my classroom, of partaking in community kai (food), of sleeping as one large whanau inside a marae as part of my noho (stay) and many other equally awesome components of the course. The bonding with the whanau during the noho and during later parties has been immense. One of my mates from the class who I fondly call teina (younger brother) has even committed to have my tamahine (daughter) married in his marae if we so desire. How much more acceptance does a person want?

I can go on forever with all these positive experiences but the point I am trying to make is that every migrant to New Zealand must and should make the effort to understand the world of Maori. It is a community of fantastic people who have amazing customs and traditions. The country itself is founded on the Treaty of Waitangi between the Maori and Europeans and if one does not make an attempt to understand the history and culture of Aotearoa then it is the loss of the individual. And it is not very difficult to do this. What is needed is some initiative and commitment especially when there are free courses offered in places like Te Wananga O Aotearoa. So make an effort whanau and go immerse yourself in really experiencing New Zealand in its entirety. I plan to create a plan of immersion for my clients and help them with this aspect of their settlement into the New Zealand environment.

Ka kite ano (see you later) and he ra nui (have a great day).

Nga Mihi (regards)

Arun 

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Living in New Zealand - The Magic of Autumn Colours

One of the nicest experiences for me being in New Zealand is the autumn season when the leaves start changing colours and the whole country becomes like one big magical painting. I really look forward to this season although it can get a bit nippy and wet with the chill and rains coming in as well. But on a bright sunny autumn day like this in the video, the sheer beauty of the nature around you uplifts the spirit and mentally you get more relaxed. The sky seems bluer, the grass seems greener, the leaves on the trees are a kaleidoscope of vivid colours, the songs sound better and...oh well I could go on forever!! There is a sort of mystery and somberness in the air too and for the avid writer that I am, it is the perfect setting to let the creative juices flow :)

Songs courtesy in the video: The local radio station and the respective artists. I got a pretty stern warning from YouTube about copyright of the music after I uploaded this video. But they are still letting me put the video up..so all good!! 

Enjoy the colours, the music and the drive around....just another day in paradise indeed :)

Nga mihi (Regards)

Arun

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SKILLED MIGRATION - OUR FOCUS ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CLIENTS
Our current focus is on high quality IT background clients for the skilled migrant category. We believe this is one of the most exciting areas for both skilled migrants as well New Zealand. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is currently on the Long Term Skill Shortage List of New Zealand as well being a government Identified Future Growth Area. In plain English, this means that the employment opportunity in ICT for new migrants is significant. Here are some more facts:

• The technology industry is New Zealand’s fastest growing sector. 
• NZ's largest recruitment website Seek shows IT jobs having highest vacancies in its search criteria.  
• Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand says, "Across New Zealand, every region has seen an increase in the number of IT jobs that include both additional benefits and bonuses. In 2015 we expect to see opportunities across all aspects of construction and the IT sector as employers invest in full-time hires." (Hays is a leading global professional recruiting group)

We are very excited about working in this particular sector and have evolved an end-to-end solution for IT professionals from different parts of the world to come and make New Zealand their home. This is your chance to combine a unique lifestyle with a career in an industry that’s making people around the world sit up and take notice. This package we have designed includes processing of your visa application while you are still in your country and everything from the time you land in New Zealand. This includes an airport pickup, accommodation for 30 days, car, professional CV and cover letter preparation, active marketing of your CV by our in-house IT placement team in New Zealand and many other benefits. There is a detailed day-by-day breakdown of the services we will provide to ensure your migration and settlement foray into New Zealand is successful. We like to share the details of this pack only after the process of an interview to ensure you are the right kind of IT professional New Zealand deserves and vice versa. If you believe you fall into category of high quality IT professionals, we encourage you to contact us to know more about this migration solution we have created exclusively for people like you.

When we receive your enquiry to be a skilled IT migrant to New Zealand, we will first undertake an assessment of your eligibility based on the information you provide us. If you pass this stage, we will then call you from New Zealand to make sure you get all the information about this package. It is free till this stage and there is absolutely no cost till you decide to go ahead after receiving all the information and making your own enquiries. If you do not pass the first stage of our evaluation and are not eligible for our skilled IT migrant package, we will make free recommendations that can help you achieve your aspiration of migrating to New Zealand.   Start your New Zealand skilled IT migration journey by emailing arun.jacob@ajv.kiwi and attaching your current CV and that of your partner if you are married or in a partnership. We will revert to you within 48 business hours.

Note for Non-IT applicants: If you desire an opportunity to live in New Zealand, you may also email your CV if you fall under any of the other Long Term Skill Shortage List occupational groups. We will do an assessment and revert with possible pathways for you. 

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New Zealand Information Technology (IT) Skills Shortage

There is a long term skill shortage list that is published by Immigration New Zealand and currently the following occupational groups are listed on the list - Agriculture and Forestry / Construction / Education / Engineering / Finance and Business / Health and Social Services / ICT, Electronics and Telecommunications / Recreation, Hospitality and Tourism / Science / Trades (some) / Transport.

I have a specific interest in information technology because I am always overwhelmed by the power of this particular occupation group. I even got involved at a very serious level with it in the past by designing and creating an award winning portal for education. That process gave me a great insight into the possibilities that exist within information technology. And so I stay very fascinated with this subject. Besides the personal interest I also always align my practice to the requirements of New Zealand, which at this point is to attract global talent in the occupation groups listed above. And so as a licensed immigration adviser I am keenly developing a product specifically aimed at creating an end-to-end process for IT professionals from all parts of the world to migrate and settle in New Zealand. This should be available very soon and so I encourage you to stay connected via my Facebook page and this blog.

In anticipation of creating this product I need to gear up for the first question that is bound to arise from a prospect - "Are there IT jobs in New Zealand if I move there with my family?" I think this is a very valid question because eventually migration only makes sense if there is gainful employment and ability to live well after making a life changing decision. And so constantly I check to see how many jobs are actually available under each of these occupational groups and from my research as on today this is the information technology (IT) vacancies listed on the two leading job sites in New Zealand. 

From Seek website - 2314 vacancies and from Trade Me Jobs website - 1073 vacancies. Admittedly there will be overlaps between both the sites but if one were to account for all the unlisted jobs that are quietly advertised elsewhere I guess it is safe to say there are in excess of 3000 IT jobs in New Zealand as we speak. This is obviously not a scientific study or anything as such but a quick dipstick survey to see what are the opportunities. And there seem to be enough jobs out there for IT professionals. For the person with the right attitude, skills and knowledge of IT, I do not think finding employment will be a difficult task. But to bolster the chances, one component of the migration pathway I am creating for IT professionals also includes job search support. More on this later though as the product evolves. Stay tuned for an announcement soon :)

So if you are an IT professional from any part of this big world and want to come and create a future for yourself and your family in our beautiful part of the world, a warm welcome indeed. Get in touch at arunjacob@amazingnz.co.nz and I will be more than happy to get you started on the journey of a lifetime that will get you to one of the finest destinations on mother earth. Haere mai...welcome to New Zealand! 

Link to the current Long Term Skill Shortage List (INZ1093). 

Nga mihi (Regards)

Arun

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Living in New Zealand - Politicians

Irrespective of where you live on earth you can't escape politicians. But the ones I have encountered in New Zealand are very different from those I have met anywhere else. And different in a nice sort of way I mean. Way back when I was living in Auckland I encountered the then prime minister Helen Clark (now a UNDP administrator) ambling around the mall like anyone else. No airs, no shenanigans, nothing. Just another Kiwi doing her everyday thing. More recently I had an opportunity to run into the current prime minister John Key while he was on the campaign trail. He was quite happy to let people take selfies, have a chat and just be a good-natured guy. It was very disarming to see the head of the state just being a normal guy in the midst of people. And I could see it was not a pretense on the campaign trail. It was just him the way he is every day. A few days after the elections I noticed a person standing by the road with a big 'thank you' placard. Turns out it is the local member of parliament who had won and he had no qualms to stand with a placard and wave to people in his constituency and say thanks as they drove by. In a strange sort of way it was very humbling to witness that and gave me an insight into the down to earth attitude of the Kiwis. The politics within the country is also conducted at a level of decency where there isn't a lot of muck and filth being thrown around. The accountability is pretty high for elected members and quite a few have fallen out of grace and office due to various issues that would have normally been seen as 'minor' in other parts of the world. Its nice to see politicians of all hues participate in the democratic process with gusto and passion for their causes. Interestingly there is even a registered political party in New Zealand called "Legalise Cannabis Party." Admittedly this party does not create a lot of political waves but the very fact it is allowed to exist as a legal entity is an indicator of the liberal mindset of the country. I continue to be amazed by this amazing country and its people and I am glad I am able to experience this everyday.

Nga mihi (Regards)

Arun

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Overview of the New Zealand Immigration Visa System

The New Zealand immigration visa system under the Immigration Act of 2009 has undergone a change from the previous Immigration Act of 1987. Earlier there was a system of a visa and then a permit. But now there is only a visa and an emphasis on “entry permission.” What this means is that earlier the visa and permit were actually two separate documents. But now there is only one single document in the form of a sticker that is affixed into the passport of an applicant. From my own experience of having been granted residence under the Immigration Act of 1987, I remember two separate stickers in my passport. One was titled “Residence Visa” and the other was titled “Residence Permit.” With the changes in the Immigration Act of 2009 I can see how it is more streamlined to simply have a ‘visa’ with the conditions printed clearly on it. About the entry permission itself, it is more a formality at border control checkpoints for the officer to assess that the person seeking to enter is entitled to and will fulfill the conditions printed on the visa. However the border control officer can still stop a person from entering if there is a justification for such an action even if the person holds a valid visa. This applies to most visa except some categories of residence visas.

The visas are now broadly categorised into the following with sub categories within each:

1. Residence class visas.

2. Temporary entry class visas.

3. Special categories.

Further sub-divisions done under each of the categories is follows. Under residence class visas there is now a permanent residence visa and a residence visa. To graduate from a residence visa to a permanent residence visa certain conditions have to be met especially “commitment to New Zealand.” Under residence class of these visas there are also categories like business, skilled, family and residence from work. Each has a specific pathway and criteria.

Under temporary entry class visas, the sub categories are limited visas, interim visas and transit visas. These are further categorised as visitor, work, student, interim, limited, military and special temporary. The last category pertains to foreign government officials who need to visit or stay in New Zealand for the performance of official duties and to their dependents who may have to accompany them. This special category visa is a significant change from the previous Immigration Act of 1987 wherein there was no need for such officials to hold a permit. But that has been removed now and thus even for diplomats and officials there is better monitoring than before.

The current visa system is an improvement over the previous system and creates a more robust mechanism to identify the immigration needs of New Zealand and create specific visas for each such requirement. Further strength is added through the very clear and detailed guidelines set in the Operational Manual of Immigration New Zealand (INZ), which pertain to each individual visa. Like all systems this is bound to change in future staying abreast of evolving needs of both New Zealand and those seeking to immigrate here.

Do follow my blog for more information about New Zealand immigration visas for you and your family.

Nga mihi (Regards)

Arun

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School Children Activities in New Zealand

I am a very pleased parent to see my children going to school in New Zealand. My three kids are still young and they grew up in a system where it was a constant cycle of studies and homework and hardly anything else. After being in New Zealand now, they go to a school which has so many different activities that I can see their all round development right in front of my own eyes. The change has been gradual but I can see there is a definite aspect of creating all round growth and not just academics. The emphasis on sports and games, outdoor activities, new language skills, personality development, new skills like cooking, carpentry, working with machines and such has really transformed my kids into complete new beings. The emphasis on academics is also very good and I quite like the teaching style which is more relaxed and friendly. Kiwis who read this might wonder why I am going on about something that is commonplace in New Zealand. If only they could experience what schooling is like in developing countries. The average New Zealand school has more facilities, activities and opportunities than most schools globally.  

The other thing I like about schools in New Zealand is the safety aspect concerning the students. They are trained to deal with emergencies, there are supervisors and marshals for ensuring safety in all activities and the education itself instills physical and mental strength and confidence to the growing children. There is absolutely no class distinction among the students and I am yet to notice any overt or covert racism in the school where my children go. It is one big family of young people growing up together with good values, attitudes and skills. I can see a lot of fantastic inputs to help build strong and committed future New Zealand and global citizens. I am a very pleased parent indeed. 

Below are some pictures of an annual activity in the school where my children go. A giant hot air balloon is inflated on the school grounds and the kids get a joyride with the highest safety standards being practiced throughout the event. What an experience!! I wish I could go to school again :) Thank you New Zealand for making my kids so happy and aiding them in their growth.

        

Do follow my blog for more exciting information about New Zealand for you and your family.

Nga mihi (Regards)

Arun

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New Zealand Lifestyle - APRC Rally of Whangarei in pictures

Presenting some of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship photos I clicked last weekend as part of my experiences/lifestyle in New Zealand. The motorsport opportunities New Zealand presents are many and varied. Rallying is only one of them but there are various track races, drag races, dune buggy races and many other formats. For petrol heads, New Zealand can offer an event practically every month. I am personally a rally fan because it also offers the opportunity to experience the fantastic countrysides of New Zealand. The beauty, the serenity, the purity of air is to die for. Not to mention the adventure of driving into remote areas and trekking the last few hundred meters to catch the rally cars zip by and practice some photography too. I strongly recommend this as an adventure to whoever is in New Zealand and make the most of the outdoors and the adventure. If you want to tag along for the next one email me at arunjacob@amazingnz.co.nz. And it was amazing to see the rally from up close once again and also rub shoulders with the stars of the sport like Gaurav Gill, Pontus Tidemand and Ken Block.  

It was also interesting to meet new people especially those who traveled from other countries to witness or report on this event. I even met a couple of people from a newspaper from my hometown in India. It was surreal to stand in the absolute beauty of the New Zealand countryside and catch up on news from back home while rally cars zipped by in the background. I can get used to this!!

Ken Block in action

Ken Block in action

Ken Block in action

Ken Block in action

A supporter with the reigning champ Gaurav Gill

The legendary Ken Block and his car

Gaurav Gill takes 2nd place

Reigning APRC Champion - Gaurav Gill

Yours truly with the winner - Pontus Tidemand

The winners on the podium

For all the results and more information visit - www.rallywhangarei.co.nz

Do follow my blog for more exciting things to do in New Zealand.

Nga mihi (Regards)
Arun

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