NZ – Introduction of National Occupation List

In this GMS Flash Alert, we report on the introduction of the National Occupation List (NOL) in New Zealand.¹ The NOL will replace the current combined Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO),² which is a skill-based classification system used to classify occupations and jobs in the Australian and New Zealand labour markets.

Statistics New Zealand announced that the first version of the NOL will be released on 20 November 2024,³ with a projected implementation date to occur in 2025. The NOL has been tailored to address the unique challenges and nuances of the New Zealand labour market, which has evolved significantly since the ANZSCO joint classification system was established in 2006.

WHY THIS MATTERS

For New Zealand immigration purposes, the nominated occupation forms a key component of Job Check and Accredited Employer Work Visa assessments and can determine the visa duration of a temporary work visa, as well as whether a visa holder has a pathway to New Zealand residence. If the nominated occupations are not included in the NOL, employers could lose access to foreign talent that may be required by their business in New Zealand.

The National Occupation List will refine how occupations are classified, making it easier for employers sourcing foreign talent to match current industry shortages with visa requirements.

Context

The New Zealand government has acknowledged that ANZSCO fails to adequately reflect today’s local labour market, and are consulting with immigration industry leaders, including KPMG, to modify, expand on, and update the current occupational listings within ANZSCO.

The government’s key focus during this consultation process is to help ensure that the NOL accurately captures occupation titles, definitions, and skill levels as they exist in the current job market. As part of this process, KPMG has made submissions to Statistics New Zealand to advocate for the inclusion of new occupations, for a variation in skill level for some existing occupations, and for updated definitions for existing occupations that have evolved from their original prescribed definitions.

Statistics New Zealand has confirmed its intent to publish regular annual updates, depending upon “the amount of change proposed throughout each year”.⁴

KPMG INSIGHTS

KPMG welcomes this change for businesses, that have struggled in the past with an outdated occupational classification which does not mirror the evolved occupations of current industries.

The intention to release the NOL demonstrates the New Zealand’s government recognition of an evolving labour market and aligns with broader government measures to address skills shortages.

The targeted annual maintenance model of the NOL should see the occupation list evolving at a faster pace, to keep up with trends in the workforce.

Contacts

Mark Wright

Principal Director

KPMG Australia

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Georgina Haines

Senior Manager

KPMG Australia

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Additional Resources

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Footnotes

1 New Zealand Immigration, News Centre, "ANZSCO to be replaced" (8 October 2024).

2 For related coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2024-208, 24 October 2024.

3 See footnote 1.

4 StatsNZ, "About the National Occupation List" webpage. (According to the latest update: "11 October 2024: We replaced the previously published list 'National Occupation List as at October 2024' with 'National Occupation List (updated 11 October 2024)'," with some noted changes. Also the new NOL is hyper-linked from the aforementioned webpage.

Disclaimer

* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

Please note also that the KPMG International member firm in Australia is currently providing New Zealand immigration services.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Australia.

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New Zealand – Introduction of National Occupation List