Christchurch and Canterbury

Once in a lifetime opportunity

A once in a lifetime opportunity exists in the Canterbury region for skilled people – this is your chance to be part of the redefining of a globally significant city. As well as huge construction projects that are massive opportunities in key industry sectors such as Software Design and Development, Electronics, Specialised Manufacturing, Agriculture and Professional Services.

Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s leading regional economies and contributes significantly to the national economy. The region, particularly Christchurch has always held a reputation for being the "most English" of New Zealand's cities, thanks to its tree-lined Avon River, beautiful parks and gardens, as well as its cultural life. Many migrants from the United Kingdom have chosen the region, as it provides a unique mix of cultural familiarity together with the benefits of the New Zealand lifestyle, which includes the proximity of beaches, ski fields and outdoor adventure activities.

Following the recent earthquake in Christchurch, rebuilding is underway and additionally plans to drive growth and future prosperity for Christchurch & Canterbury are progressing well. The Canterbury Employment and Skills Board (CESB) has been established to ensure the right skills and talent are available in Christchurch in the right numbers at the right time. Opportunity Canterbury is an initiative of the group to drive recruitment in industries where we have skill shortages.

The Opportunity Canterbury Stand at the Opportunities Expos in November is part of the city’s commitment to attracting skilled people to a fantastic range of job opportunities.

Open for business

Christchurch is a world leading example of how a city can recovery after a natural disaster, many of our businesses are in growth mode and construction opportunities abound – where else in the world can you fast track your career whilst creating a new city!

The opportunity

There will shortly be a huge opportunity for skilled people to travel to the region and obtain skilled employment relatively easily.. In short, if you are a skilled migrant and need a job to migrate, think Canterbury. Current forecasts suggest more than 30,000 people will be required to restructure Christchurch over and above the existing Christchurch workforce. We want you to join us on our exciting journey ahead! What is presented here is an exciting opportunity to be part of the creation of a new modern city, consistent with the cultural heritage of the region that has made this region famous as a migrant destination. You can be part of it. We have a vision, now we want to make it a reality.

As outlined above, the opportunities aren’t just limited to the construction and engineering sectors. We’ve always had an innovative and world-class IT and communications sector where bold thinkers turn opportunity into reality, every day. We also have a thriving specialised manufacturing sector that develops innovative products for global niche markets, and a wealth of growth potential in the healthcare, agribusiness, and professional services sectors.

Many employers in the region are seeking quality, skilled staff in a broad range of sectors and occupations. Take a look at the Opportunity Canterbury website for a sample of what we mean.

And then there’s the lifestyle

And then there’s the lifestyle! Forget lengthy commutes. This is a chance to spend more time with friends and family. Think quality education and the great outdoors quite literally on your doorstep. Christchurch is a great place to live, work, and play.

We may not be the biggest, but we do want to be the best. The opportunities to fast-track your career and migration to New Zealand are waiting. Why not join us? Come home to Canterbury.

To learn more visit us at the Opportunities Overseas Expos in London and Manchester or at: www.opportunitycanterbury.org.nz