Scaffolders, automotive technicians, ship's masters, ship's officers and forest scientists will now find it easier to get a New Zealand work permit after their occupations were added to the list of skill shortages here.

Changes to Immigration New Zealand's Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) and Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) were announced today and come into effect on September 8.

The ISSL includes occupations in immediate demand in the New Zealand labour market and the LTSSL includes those in long term and global shortage.

The lists are reviewed biannually by the Department of Labour.

Scaffolders and automotive technicians will be added to the ISSL and ship's masters, ship's officers and forest scientists to the LTSSL.

Architects will be removed from the LTSSL and 13 occupations, mainly in the building, design and racing industries will be removed from the ISSL.

Immigration New Zealand head Nigel Bickle there were ongoing skill shortages in certain areas.

The changes to the list would ensure New Zealanders were not disadvantaged when looking for work, he said.

The lists were changed following extensive consultation.

Migrants from occupations not on the lists can still apply to work in New Zealand if their employer demonstrates genuine attempts to recruit a New Zealand citizen or resident for the role.

(Source Dominion Post)