Immigration policies under the spotlight as Minister Erica Stanford headlines NZ’s premier immigration conference
For accommodation operators and tourism employers still grappling with labour shortages, changes to immigration settings could directly affect recruitment and service delivery.
New Zealand’s accommodation and hospitality industries are closely watching this week’s Annual Immigration Conference, where Immigration Minister Erica Stanford will outline the government’s direction on skilled-worker and residence pathways.
The event, hosted by the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI), takes place on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Auckland’s JW Marriott Hotel. It brings together immigration specialists, policymakers, and business leaders to examine how workforce and visa frameworks can better support New Zealand’s economic recovery and long-term growth.
Also speaking are Phil Twyford, Labour’s spokesperson on immigration, and senior government officials involved in policy and operational planning.
Workforce pressures drive focus on reform
NZAMI Chair Simon Laurent says the conference comes at a pivotal time.
“New Zealand has experienced a dramatic decline in net migration over the past two years, driven by high citizen departures and fewer migrant arrivals,” he explains. “This has contributed to stagnating retail activity and a slowdown in new housing development.”
For accommodation operators and tourism employers still grappling with labour shortages, changes to immigration settings could directly affect recruitment and service delivery. “Currently, immigration is at historically low levels, limiting both population-driven economic growth and the ability of businesses to access the skills they urgently need,” Laurent says.
He notes that NZAMI members welcome Minister Stanford’s initiatives — including a new business-investor visa and trades-focused residence pathways slated for 2026—but remain concerned about language requirements that may restrict access to essential workers.
“We believe excessively high English-language thresholds risk undermining the Government’s own objectives,” Laurent adds. “We look forward to productive discussions with the Minister at Friday’s conference.”
