Research shows contribution of those who immigrate to New Zealand

The New Zealand Department of Labour's International Migration Settlement and Employment Dynamics research showed that without immigration, the outlook is bleak.

The research found that, in general, immigration reduced production costs, improved the competitiveness of New Zealand goods and services, benefited consumer spending and domestic investment and gave higher revenues for the New Zealand government.

The research also showed the need for unskilled as well as skilled workers immigrating to New Zealand.

"When an economy grows labour is required at all levels,"  New Zealand Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman said.

Dr Coleman said government policy had to "continue to focus on economic gains from immigration" as well as improving the service provided by New Zealand Immigration.

The New Zealand Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people immigrate to New Zealand.