New Zealand is launching new residency paths for skilled workers and tradespeople in mid-2026 to address labor shortages and boost growth.

New Zealand is creating two new residency pathways for skilled workers and tradespeople to tackle labor shortages and support economic growth, with changes set to launch mid-2026. The policy, aimed at migrants with relevant overseas and local experience and meeting specific salary thresholds, responds to business concerns over restrictive rules excluding qualified individuals. It comes amid economic challenges, including negative growth in recent quarters and declining migration numbers, partly due to New Zealanders leaving the country. While the government says the reforms will help retain experienced workers and boost investment, coalition partner New Zealand First opposes the move, calling it “unfocused” and fearing it could enable migration to Australia. The initiative includes streamlined routes for tradespeople and skilled workers, with additional restrictions on certain occupations and plans to shorten work requirements for New Zealand-educated graduates.