Staff shortages in New Zealand

Staff shortages can be the downfall of many New Zealand businesses. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, employers everywhere have struggled to not only find staff but to also maintain staff. In this blog, we explore causes and solutions for staff shortages in the country.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, employers everywhere have struggled to not only find staff but to also maintain staff. This issue has created a ripple effect across various sectors of the economy, leaving businesses struggling to maintain operations and meet customer demands. 

Staff shortages can be the downfall of many New Zealand businesses. According to Auckland firm BWA Insolvency’s latest report, 355 formal insolvency proceedings were lodged in the three months to March 31st, compared to 277 in the first quarter of 2022 – an increase of 28%. 

Many factors contribute to the staff shortages currently experienced in New Zealand. The country's popularity as a tourist destination and a desirable place to live has resulted in a high demand for workers, especially in sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, and construction. However, New Zealand's immigration policies have become more stringent in recent years, leading to a decline in the number of overseas workers entering the country. This exacerbates the scarcity of skilled professionals and explains some of the staffing challenges faced by businesses.

In many industries, finding workers with the necessary qualifications and experience to fill specific roles is a struggle. And that’s where Trinity plays an important role, by providing valuable support to businesses facing staff shortages.

We specialise in sourcing and attracting qualified candidates for specific job roles. Our extensive candidate database, networks, and industry connections, allows us to identify potential candidates efficiently and, most of the time, quickly. 

We also have in-depth knowledge of the job market and most industries. We understand the specific skills, qualifications, and experience required for different roles, providing guidance to businesses, ensuring that job descriptions are accurate and realistic, and helping companies align their recruitment strategies with market realities.

If there’s the need to bring skilled workers from overseas, we have an in-house immigration team and Licensed Immigration Advisers with an extensive international network allowing us to identify and reach out to potential candidates willing to work and live in New Zealand. They will work together with our recruiters to find the best fit for your team, and will provide full support to businesses when working through the Accredited Employer Work Visa process. We also have two pastoral care consultants that will ensure that any permanent placements, especially if coming from overseas, are settled into their new roles.

If your business is facing the consequences of staff shortage, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

- Lucie Knox, Recruitment Consultant