The global pandemic has sparked a mass return of expats seeking safety, family and a future in NZ
New Zealand’s skilled workforce is set to receive a boost as thousands of Kiwis return home because of Covid-19.
Of the 15,000 people surveyed by Kea, almost half said they plan to return and around 25% expected to come home in the next two years.
The majority said the global pandemic and international border closures were a driving factor for coming home.
Most returnees have been away for more than five years and on their return, will be looking for senior positions, including manager, director, owner or C-suite.
Linda Shearer, EGM people experience partnering at Xero, told HRD how the tech company planned to capitalise on the so-called ‘brain gain’.
“The return of highly skilled Kiwis provides an exciting opportunity for New Zealand’s job market and will really drive innovation,” she told HRD.
“Since COVID-19, geographical distance is no longer a limiting factor, and many companies like Xero are embracing flexible ways of working to attract and retain world-class talent.”
Read more: How the COVID-19 pandemic will change work for the better
Shearer has been impressed by the calibre of new employees coming through the door at Xero.
After a boom in business, they look to add 200 product and tech staff members by the end of this financial year.
“The next year will present a unique opportunity for companies to think about how teams work together, and tap into larger and more diverse talent pools,” she said.
“Kiwis returning with overseas experience can bring a new lens to solving problems, which boosts creativity and the diversity of ideas.”
Migration numbers have been a talking point for many years over fears skilled residents were ditching NZ for opportunities in Australia, the UK and the US.
Kea chief executive officer Toni Truslove said the global pandemic has sparked a mass return of expats seeking safety, family and future in New Zealand.
She said: "We're facing a 'once in a generation' opportunity to bolster our labour market in sectors where we need volume, such as education and healthcare, as well as sectors where new ideas and global perspectives fuel growth such as technology and construction.
“Coupled with a strong desire to give back to charities and their communities, these returning Kiwis present enormous potential for transformation across the entire social and economic fabric of New Zealand.”
Read more: How NZ’s immigration changes will affect you
The data revealed the tech industry will be the biggest winner from returning Kiwis.
Bringing specialised skills developed overseas, many of these expats seeking senior jobs are returning to NZ at the height of their careers.
While previously expats tended to return later in life to enjoy retirement closer to home, now businesses have a unique opportunity to gain talented staff who are eager to work.
