Media Releases
Expats programme makes a move to Australia
11 MAY 2006
The next phase of a programme designed to connect with Kiwi expats was launched in Australia today by the Department of Labour.
‘New Zealand Now’ was first introduced in the United Kingdom in November to target expats and connect them to opportunities here. Australia has now been added to the programme - another major source of skilled New Zealanders, Communications and Marketing Director Richard Ninness said.
“This phase of the programme is about talking to the more than 450,000 kiwis living in Australia and updating their perceptions of life in New Zealand.
“We want to spread the word that New Zealand is a premier destination to live, work and play – and there’s never been a better time to be here. It’s designed to spark a conversation about the unique differences between the countries and remind New Zealanders what’s changed,” Mr Ninness said.
The Department’s research shows Kiwis who have been in Australia more than a couple of years can lose touch with the changes in New Zealand.
“They know it’s a great place and are still very attached to New Zealand – but don’t know that New Zealand now also has some of the employment opportunities they want,” Mr Ninness said.
The expat programme will continue to centre on the NewZealandNow.info website, which has been updated with specific information for the New Zealand expat market in Australia. It will be supported by a vibrant, highly visible marketing programme that begins in Sydney this week.
The marketing activity will include a ‘New Zealand Now’ presence at the Hurricanes game in Sydney this weekend and advertising on radio, on-line and at outdoor locations.
The marketing programme in Australia is also the start of a wider use of the ‘New Zealand Now’ brand overseas. The brand was initially developed to attract expats – it will now be used to market to both New Zealanders offshore and the skilled international people that the country needs – including Australians.
“Australians don’t have a rich view of what New Zealand is really like. We want to let them know that there are cities and jobs – as well as beautiful landscapes - and they can live and work here,” Mr Ninness said.ENDS
