Media Release

05 March 2009

The response below can be attributed to Christopher Blake, Chief Executive, Department of Labour.

The release by the Minister of Immigration of the Pacific Division Review, and his direction that I consider reintegrating all activities of the Division back into Immigration New Zealand, provides clarity around the Government’s priorities for immigration services in the Pacific region.

The Minister has reviewed all the information available to him and considers that reintegration of the Division’s activities into the core of Immigration New Zealand would improve services in the Pacific.

I intend to formally consult staff about potential structural changes resulting from the Minister’s direction to consider reintegration, in line with the Department’s agreed processes.  In light of this consultation process, no further comment at this stage is appropriate.

I commissioned the Pacific Division review last year to look for solutions to challenges that are unique to the Department.  I acknowledge and share the concerns of the Minister about the issues identified in the report.

The report makes 46 practical recommendations for improving the way we do our business in the Pacific region. I have been working with the current Head of Immigration New Zealand and my Strategic Leadership Team to ensure these recommendations are implemented. Work on nearly half of the recommendations has been completed and is well underway on most of the others.

The review also found that the staff  are hard-working and committed to their work.

Our role now is to continue to address the issues raised, to complete work on the remaining recommendations and to respond to the Minister’s direction that I consider reintegrating the Pacific Division into the core of Immigration New Zealand.

All requests for further information or interviews should be directed to the Minister of Immigration’s Press Secretary Nicky Grant 04 817 9368 or 021 243 9368.