The Auckland City Council has promised $40,000 to an organisation to increase job opportunities for qualified migrants. It has also made the promise of similar funding over the next couple of years.

The organisation, called OMEGA (Opportunities for Migrant Employment in Greater Auckland), operates with the support of local businesses and runs the Mentoring Programme that places qualified foreign workers into mentoring partnerships with local business professionals. The mentor helps them improve and align their job search to the Auckland market.

"Nearly 50% of all skilled immigrants are either confined to jobs for which they are over-qualified for or are inactive or unemployed,” said the programme director, Justin Treagus. "Helping them find jobs that fit is an instant lift to productivity. Over 80% of those who complete our programme find appropriate work."