Government announces new residency pathways for skilled migrants

Tuesday 23 September 2025 · 6 outlets · 7 reports · updated Tue 23 Sep 2025, 11:04am

In this story Winston Peters, NZ First, Nicola Willis, Erica Stanford

The Government has introduced two new residency pathways for skilled migrants to address labour shortages and support businesses. The Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways are expected to begin in mid-2026. NZ First has invoked the coalition's "agree to disagree" clause due to concerns regarding the policy.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffTue 23 Sep 2025, 7:54am

   New work visa pathways ‘fixing it’, Willis says, but NZ First invokes ‘agree to disagree’ clause (opens in new tab)

2. RNZTue 23 Sep 2025, 7:55am

   New pathways announced to make getting New Zealand residence easier for skilled migrants (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsTue 23 Sep 2025, 7:55am

   New residency pathways for skilled migrants, NZ First 'agree to disagree' (opens in new tab)

   • Full video: Willis, Stanford speak to media after skilled migrant announcement (opens in new tab) Tue 23 Sep 2025, 8:31am
4. Otago Daily TimesTue 23 Sep 2025, 8:11am

   Peters concerned at easier path for skilled migrants (opens in new tab)

5. The Press via The PostTue 23 Sep 2025, 9:35am

   NZ First invokes 'agree to disagree' clause over migrant residency pathway changes (opens in new tab)

6. NZ HeraldTue 23 Sep 2025, 11:04am

   Immigration changes: New pathways announced to make getting New Zealand residence easier for skilled migrants (opens in new tab)