Industry trades need prioritising

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is campaigning for the government to include more automotive professions on the immigration system’s green list.

It comes as New Zealand continues to suffer a skills shortage – and that’s affecting many businesses in the motor-vehicle industry.

Some limited relief for the sector came in March when the government added skilled motor mechanics to the green list, which consists of occupations that qualify for a fast-track to residency or have access to a work-to-residence pathway. 

Already on it were diesel motor mechanic, including heavy-vehicle inspector, and automotive electrician. 

However, there is still a severe shortage of panel beaters and vehicle painters in New Zealand.

Brian Anderton, advocacy and stakeholder manager at the MTA, says the association welcomed the addition of skilled motor mechanics to the green list.

It is now working closely with the Minister for Immigration for the collision repair and refinishing trades to be “the next cabs to get off the rank” and is confident Michael Wood understands the importance of this happening.

“These professions used to be on the regional shortage list, but they were not carried over onto the green list when that came in,” explains Anderton.

He told Autofile Online that getting the collision repair and refinishing trades onto the green list is still “a work in progress”.

“The shortage of skilled labour is a number-one concern for the MTA and immigration can be a short-term fix while local talent is nurtured,” says Anderton.

“We know that demands on automotive businesses are high in this regard, and the financial and emotional stress it causes. We know that coupled with the high cost of living, many are doing it tough.

“If repairers and panel-beaters are short-staffed or forced to close, it can mean more unsafe vehicles on the road as much-needed repairs and maintenance are deferred.

“It also means crucial government targets in emissions reduction and road safety are affected. There are already automotive roles on the green list, but more can be added.”

Having a profession on the green list means would-be immigrants – if they have the correct qualifications, registration or experience required and fulfil other conditions – may be able to get New Zealand residency immediately or after two years of working here.

Some green-list roles will need to be paid a minimum salary, which is tied to the national median wage, with higher pay required for other roles. The list also aims to make it easier to hire skilled migrants on an accredited employer work visa.

It was in January that the MTA urged Chris Hipkins, after he became prime minister, to prioritise the motor-vehicle industry in the run-up to October’s general election.

The association has also been lobbying the government to help encourage and support young people in the automotive sector as a longer-term solution.

It says one way to do so is to extend Apprenticeship Boost, which pays businesses $500 a month for each apprentice for two years, past its expiry date of December 2023.