Outcome 2: Skilled people engaged in safe and productive work
On this page
What we’re working towards
Businesses have access to the right labour and skills at the right time and an employment system that promotes the rights of workers and employers.
Why is this important
Skilled and productive labour, and safe workplaces, are essential attributes of long-term economic growth. A strong economy also needs the right mix of skills, in response to global and domestic opportunities and shifts.
Providing opportunities and support for people to upgrade their skills enables them to do better socially and economically and increases their resilience.
Immigration is an important mechanism to secure the skills, expertise and flow of people we need for the economy: workers, visitors and students. It also has an important bearing on net migration flows.
Accidents at work and poor employment relations damage workers, businesses and society. Our work enables an environment where employers can provide safe work opportunities.
Economic levers and services
- Labour supply policy system
- Immigration settings
- Skilled labour development
- Workplace relations and dispute resolution
- Workplace safety
Government priorities supported
- Improving educational achievement and growing skills
- Better regulation
Key services
- New Zealand Immigration
- Employment New Zealand
- Employment Mediation Services
Key funding streams
- Immigration system
- Workplace health and safety
- Accident compensation regulatory services
Our strategic intentions
To achieve more skilled people who are engaged in safe and productive work, MBIE will:
- Improve immigration settings and the underlying system to attract the people Aotearoa New Zealand wants to work, visit and study here.
- Review the health and safety regime to make sure it is easier for businesses and workers to comply, balancing costs, benefits and risks.
- Shape and improve the labour market and skills development pipelines.