February, a month where we have seen various interesting newspaper articles. The performance of the Immigration Service, Winston Peters starting his election year stating that NZ is seen as a soft touch while the NZ economy has been torpedoed by the government through the fall of immigration.

Newspapers report that the job market remains tight with employers complaining how difficult it is to find employees.

The Skilled Migrant Category I believe is only partially addressing this issue as only applicants with a high level in education and experience may be able to meet the requirements. It appears that one is forgotten that New Zealand is only a small country with many small companies; 85% of the companies employ up to 5 people.   New Zealand needs, next to bachelor and university degree people, also "normal" people.

I would suggest that there are options for the government to improve the current impasse through the relaxation of immigration. This may mean that employers may be able to find their employees and that the house market may improve. It way it is going now only means that we will be pulled down through an increasing economical down spiral.