Moving to Middle Earth

Although it's nigh on impossible for the average Joe to establish full-time residency in New Zealand...the country is nonetheless in need of people with certain skills. If you have those, you may find it easier to become a resident. In fact, the country may roll out the red carpet for you as local companies hope to attract workers in health care, biotechnology, high-tech fields, manufacturing, and the plumbing and building trades, all areas in which they have a skills shortage.

To solve the problem, New Zealand Immigration is marketing the country to Americans and others with particular skills as an attractive place to live and work. They're even going so far as to send representatives to international trade fairs. And Americans are increasingly responding to the invitation--especially after viewing the Lord of the Rings movies, which were shot in the lush countryside of New Zealand. That green landscape is fed by water, so newcomers will have to be tolerant of a long rainy season--but it's worth it, according to many who have already taken the plunge. The low crime rate and "no worries, mate" attitude is attractive to many transplants, and so is the geographical diversity. In two hours, you can go from the beach to the mountain ski slopes.

If you hope to move to New Zealand, you'll need to submit a formal Expression of Interest to begin the government's detailed process of applying for residency. You will then be evaluated, with points awarded for education, skills, and age. Applicants must also pass a physical exam to ensure they won't be a burden on the national healthcare system.

If you are seriously considering such a move, contact Malcolm Pacific, a firm of New Zealand immigration advisers, through their website: www.malcolmpacific.co.nz. A consultant there can help you assess your ability to meet the current criteria of the New Zealand immigration policy. For more general information about living and working in this country, check the government's information pages for prospective immigrants: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/.

Ruth Carlson
For International Living