September 23, 2011

NZ EQUITY CONDEMNS CHANGES TO THE IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES   

NZ Equity has expressed its disappointment at the NZ Government’s decision to change the immigration process for the entry of temporary entertainment workers into New Zealand.

“The immigration process that has been in place for decades, was there to ensure that New Zealand performers were provided with reasonable opportunities to work on all film and television productions,” said NZ Equity President Jennifer Ward-Lealand. “The new minimal process will now provide carte blanche for New Zealand taxpayer supported productions to engage non-New Zealand performers for any and every role. This is contrary to the Government’s stated election policy of ‘Kiwi’s First’.” 

The rule changes will include allowing producers to avoid providing appropriate consideration to employing available NZ entertainers or professionals. [More]   

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