Talent Farms

New Zealand is a talent farm for overseas economies. Only two other countries in the developed world have retention numbers so poor. While it bodes well for the level of talent in New Zealand and the opportunities available to the workforce if those people return, it is unfortunate because the general consensus is that many won't for various reasons.

But I don't think this is the only issue. While many won't return , many talented people will and do. But pretty quickly many of them are disillusioned by the lack of large corporate companies where they can get good reward for the skills they have created internationally. IT recruitment in NZ is my bread and butter. I certainly see a considerable number of these people return and struggle. They are not accustomed to having to fight and be as creative in the job market as Kiwi's have had to in the past. In general I don't think they build those skills working for insurance companies or investment banks in London and Europe.

While this is an issue for returning Kiwi's it is an even bigger issue for IT skilled immigrants to New Zealand. Those types of candidates face a change which many of them may never overcome. While the New Zealand government and companies scream out for IT skilled specialists it is time they told the real story as to who and what they need from these people. First and foremost they must explain to them that even though there is a shortage of skilled people, the skills required are more than just IT talent. There is an incredible need for people who can face change and uncertainty because in a small market with less capital and the larger firms driven by overseas head offices (and/or IT departments) people have to realise that their skills may not be in shortage for very long.

This means if they face any resistance they will be forced to change themselves and how they work quickly and creatively in such a small market. These are great skills to have anyway but they are better gained while aware of it and before you arrive than when you need a job tomorrow.