New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region is hoping to benefit from a new partnership with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) which will aim to attract and retain skilled migrants to the region.
The Western Bay of Plenty Regional Partnership Agreement (RPA) will be a three-year collaboration of ideas between Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Priority One, and INZ.
The organisations will share research, information and best attraction and retention practices across regional, national and international settings.
“Skilled migrants, investors and international students have a critical role to play in the continued economic growth of the Western Bay of Plenty,” said Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby.
His view was echoed by Western Bay of Plenty District mayor Ross Paterson, who adds that strong relationships between local councils and government agencies are immensely important.
“This RPA provides a framework from which we can work together to connect the Western Bay of Plenty with the rest of the world,” he said.
Meanwhile, Priority One’s Greg Simmonds said the attraction and retention of skilled migrants was necessary to sustain and stimulate economic growth in the region.
“Migrants play an important role in the transfer of knowledge and skills supporting innovation and growth, as well as addressing the skills gaps we have in a number of our key sectors.”
Earlier this year, INZ outlined proposals to encourage more immigrants to settle in regional areas of the country.