Demand for Returning Kiwis Prompts UK Expo

6 May 2011

Kiwi employers are getting behind the inaugural Destination Down Under Expo being held in London on June 18, 2011. The event is being run in association with Track Me Back and the support of its employment community numbering 60 of New Zealand’s leading employers including Air New Zealand, ASB Bank, Fletcher Building and PricewaterhouseCoopers amongst those already confirmed.

Rather than targeting migrants looking to move to New Zealand or Australia, the Destination Down Under Expo will be a careers focused event where Australians and New Zealanders living in the UK can learn more about job opportunities back home.

“Shifting the focus from migrants to returning expats seems logical as they know what to expect back home, they don’t require visas and typically they are returning to settle making the risk of hire a lot less. Another benefit is the timeframe in which expats need to make the move is reduced meaning employers can utilise that talent sooner and with less barriers, it makes for a smarter way to capture international experience” says Track Me Back general manager Trudy Atherton.

Head of Recruitment at Air New Zealand, Mr Keith Muirhead comments “We liked the fact the expo is a little different and helps us keep connected with kiwis on their OE where they are gaining new skills and experiences, which hopefully they will one day bring back home.”

Visitors on the day are expected to exceed 5000 with the majority known to be Kiwis and Australians. The event is being run in conjunction with the fifth annual UK Charity Sports Day in Putney, London, hosted by UK Sports Club and will play host to over 400 social sports teams from across the UK, feature live music, food and beverage tents, competitions and other entertainment. Exhibitors from the UK and Australia looking to tap into the Kiwi and Aussie expat audience will also have a presence.

Ms Atherton adds “We chose to piggyback off the UK Charity Sports Day for a number of reasons. The sports day has a five year history of attracting approximately 5000 people that happen to be predominantly Kiwis, Aussies and their partners and family, professional and motivated sports minded and aged 20 - 40. The setting is different from most with it being outdoors under a 60m x 40m marquee to provide a fun, relaxed and informative experience. To encourage visitors and registrations there will be giveaways including a free flight home which will be drawn at the event.”

“The expo is open to all employers with sponsorship options ranging from $750, where we will represent the employer up to $3000 for a standalone booth with their own signage and person or people attending. The cost to be involved has been kept to a minimum to make participation a ‘no brainer’ for any Kiwi employer to easily reach some of the fantastic talent looking to return home and increase their employment brand profile in that market.”

ENDS

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