​​Immigration and the future of the tech sector

NZ needs more tech-minded people, not less. What immigration policy settings best facilitate this?

Join NZTech and the Productivity Commission for an in-depth look at New Zealand immigration policy vis-à-vis the growing demand for tech specialists. Register here.

Migrant labour plays a significant role in the tech sector. As countries start to plan their economic recovery from COVID-19, many have been recalibrating their immigration policies to ensure they can get the people and skills they need. In effect, New Zealand competes against these countries to secure the knowledge it needs to support transformational goals. The Productivity Commission has been tasked by the government to review policies with an eye for these goals.

What effect has access to migrant labour had on training, job conditions and technology adoption by firms? What more can immigration policy do to attract specialist “high-impact” people? How can New Zealand best leverage the diaspora to enhance productivity growth? Let's talk to those at the forefront of these pressing issues. 

Speakers

Graeme Muller - Chief Executive Officer

During his seven years (to date) tenure at NZTech Graeme has overseen the NGO’s steady expansion and advocacy of digital pathways as a means of creating a more prosperous Aotearoa. Internationally experienced and having led teams and built businesses on four continents, Graeme is passionate about the impact that technology can make to society and the economy — a topic to which he dedicates most of his time.

Nicholas Green - Inquiry Director

Nicholas is leading the Commission's immigration inquiry. He has previously worked on inquiries into technological change and the future of work, regulatory institutions and practices, using land for housing, better urban planning, and state sector productivity inquiries, and on the joint research project with the Australian Productivity Commission on growing the digital economy in Australia and New Zealand. In previous incarnations, Nik has worked for a range of government and non-government organisations, including the Treasury and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.