W1 Objective (26/07/1999)

The objective of the work visa and work permit policy is to protect employment opportunities for New Zealand citizens and residents, while still allowing:

1. New Zealand employers to recruit temporary workers from overseas to meet particular or seasonal skill needs that cannot be met from within New Zealand; and
2. New Zealand to meet its obligations, under bilateral agreements negotiated with the governments of neighbouring countries in the South Pacific, to provide opportunities for citizens of these countries to undertake temporary employment in New Zealand; and
3. visitors to New Zealand to lawfully work while on holiday; and
4. people who enter New Zealand under approved working holiday schemes to be granted permission to work on a reciprocal basis.

Effective 26/07/1999