September 24, 2011

Work visa changes for entertainers

Editor    posted 24 Sep 2011, 12:12 PM

New immigration instructions and processes announced for entertainers, performing artists, film and video production crew, and associated support personnel – frequently asked questions and answers

[Immigration New Zealand, Thursday, September 22, 2011.] [More]

New Zealand Immigration Minister faces backlash over work visa changes

[New Zealand Visa Bureau 23 September 2011]

The New Zealand Government has faced criticism from opposition and industry figures today following the announcement of its changes to the visa process for temporary entertainment workers.

The Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman has come under fire from his opposition Labour counterpart Ruth Dyson since announcing the changes yesterday.

Ms Dyson argued that the changes – which will see unions and entertainment industry bodies denied the power to object to New Zealand visa applications – will see an influx of foreign workers into the entertainment industry jobs market. [More]   

Union fears law change will give NZ entertainment jobs to foreigners

By Lincoln Tan

[NZ Herald Saturday Sep 24, 2011]

A leading Kiwi actor says immigration changes making it easier for overseas entertainment workers to be employed here will bring the curtain down on the careers of industry locals.

Jennifer Ward-Lealand, the president of NZ Actors’ Equity, condemns changes that will remove the requirement of guild or union referrals for actors coming here for 14 days’ work or less, and for those who are part of an official co-production.

“The new process will provide carte blanche for 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 Kiwis first,” she said. [More]