Story perspectives

New Residency Pathways for Skilled Migrants Amid Labor Shortages

9/23/2025

Summary

Migrants Boost Economy

Two residency pathways for skilled migrants start in mid-2026 to address shortages and boost the economy.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says experienced migrants are needed to help businesses grow amid negative trends.
Record departures stress the labor market, with 73,400 leaving between July 2024 and 2025.
Overseas adoptions paused pending a review of child-protection measures.

Summary

Hakyung Lee Convicted

Hakyung Lee has been found guilty of murdering her two children in New Zealand; Auckland High Court rejected the insanity defense.
Victims, Yuna Jo (8) and Minu Jo (6), were killed in June 2018; remains were found in suitcases in August 2022.
Lee fled to South Korea, changed her name, and was extradited in November 2022; sentencing on November 26.

History

Historical Context

In 2001, New Zealand's Immigration Act aimed to attract skilled migrants to address labor shortages. This initiative parallels the recent announcement by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis amid a record exodus of 73,400 migrants. The tragic case of Hakyung Lee, who murdered her children in 2018, underscores ongoing challenges in child protection and mental health, highlighting the complexities of immigration and social welfare policies in New Zealand.

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Migrants Boost Economy

Two residency pathways for skilled migrants start in mid-2026 to address shortages and boost the economy.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says experienced migrants are needed to help businesses grow amid negative trends.
Record departures stress the labor market, with 73,400 leaving between July 2024 and 2025.
Overseas adoptions paused pending a review of child-protection measures.

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