20 December 2007

More New Zealand working holiday visa opportunities for Brits

The New Zealand immigration department has confirmed a number of new regions where seasonal labour shortages in horticulture and viticulture mean extra opportunities for Britons travelling and working in New Zealand on a working holiday visa.

Because of the severe shortage of workers in these sectors, New Zealand immigration will give a three-month extension to working holidaymakers if they are working in these sectors.

The new regions are Central Otago (which qualifies as an area of shortage until 31 May 2008); the central Hawkes Bay region, including the towns of Hastings and Napier (until 30 June 2008); the northland town of Keri Keri (until 31 August 2008); and Marlborough (until further notice).

These are all regions famed for their vineyards and orchards, as well as popular holiday areas for locals and international visitors alike. There are thousands of jobs available with orchardists and grape growers over the southern hemisphere summer.

Anyone interested in taking a working holiday to New Zealand should confirm their eligibility by taking the New Zealand Visa Bureau's online New Zealand visa assessment.