23 June 2003

Hon Jim Anderton MP, Progressive Leader

NZ needs migrants for jobs

Progressive leader Jim Anderton is welcoming an advertising campaign aimed at reducing racism.

“New Zealand needs more skilled migrants if we want higher living standards in the future. This was a Progressive Party policy and one which we want to pursue over the next few years,” Jim Anderton.

"Everywhere I go around New Zealand at the moment, employers are concerned about the shortage of skilled labour. We need to make sure New Zealand trains our own people, but we also need to ensure we take advantage of the best skills available from around the world.

"Over the next three decades, highly-skilled English speakers will become in much greater demand globally. New Zealand will have to compete aggressively for skilled workers against European and American economies that have traditionally been able to pay far more than we have.

"Unless we are open and welcoming to new New Zealanders and recognise our need for more skilled migrants, we will be in very serious economic and social trouble. We need a first world economy to support first world health, education, and superannuation systems," Jim Anderton said.

ENDS

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