[jonshutt]

I've got (or in the procecces of getting) a tempory work visa. This give my partner entitlement to work in New Zealand too. Legally, if she goes for a job interview, and there is a Kiwi with the same skills, does the employer have to give the job to the new zeland person?

If thats not the case, and she has equal rights - can anyone recomend a way of writing this on the CV - it seems that a lot potential employers are put off becuase we're not new zealands - and might think that they have to, or it's just easier to employ the kiwi.

thanks for any advice

[barbapapa]

sorry can't really help but this was recently in the news over here
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/2287489/Skilled-Kiwis-should-get-jobs-Key

[BkyMonster]

Not sure actually. There is a requirement that a job offer that results in someone being granted a work permit must prove there were no suitable NZ candidates. I don't know that this applies to open work visas that are granted to partners. I don't think there is a law that the employer has to give the job to the NZ person if the non-NZ person is more qualified, though some places certainly seem to have a preference.

From my own (unsuccessful) job hunt there are some employers that seem to give preference to people with PR or citizens. They ask on the application that you attach your CV to, and I haven't gotten a call back from any job that asked this question (even though IMHO I was a pretty good fit for some of the jobs. I figure they either had someone in mind for the positions and were advertising for legal reasons or my application was tossed in a "well if no suitable NZ applicants then maybe" pile).
MAF and the Universities come to mind. Other employers may ask as well. For obvious reasons a lot of places that are hiring for multi-year contracts will be wary of people on 1 year work permits as well.

[Tesall]

If thats not the case, and she has equal rights - can anyone recomend a way of writing this on the CV -

I would very strongly advise you not to try and remind potential employers about legal obligations in a CV or interview. It will never have a positive effect and will be most likely give an impression that you are a trouble maker. Wether this is true or not is irrelevant, it is the perception you will create.

It is just a fact that you will face barriers that Kiwis wont face, I am sure it would be the same for any Kiwis trying to get work in your home country.
These barriers are not insurmountable, but they require a lot of care and effort.... thats just life sometimes.

Good luck to you both.

[jonshutt]

Thanks for that. We've both got jobs now, and I guess that although there are many companies who just think employing 'overseas' people will be too much hassle, but there are also some that don't worry in the slightest, and occasionally some that want employ different nationalities to bring in different ideas/skills....

as Tesall said 'thats just life sometimes'

[JandM]

That's good news. Congratulations! :nice1