Brain Drain – Brain Gain – The impact from a recruiter’s perspective

Brain Drain – Brain Gain – The impact from a recruiter’s perspective

• May 27, 2025

The ongoing exodus of highly skilled people leaving New Zealand poses significant challenges for businesses. Skill shortages are not easing; in fact, they are on the rise in the Insurance, Travel, and Legal markets we recruit for. Skill shortages lead to headhunting from competitors, which over time results in higher salaries as the talent pool shrinks.

The media suggests that Brain Gain offsets Brain Drain losses and that New Zealand is a destination of choice for highly skilled professionals. I question this. I do not see this trend across the business sectors we recruit for. While there are small gains, they are not the significant ones needed.

Migration is part of our global reality. People travel for OE and better opportunities, and this will never change. What must change is how we retain and attract our most valuable resource – experienced, highly skilled people who add immeasurable value to our economy. What measures are needed to stem their departures? And what strategies will attract highly skilled individuals to New Zealand? I emphasize the importance of highly skilled people. There is fierce competition for these skills. Australia competes aggressively with us, and the exodus to Australia must be a concern. Our brightest and best are departing in droves. I ask : where are all the highly skilled people who are replacing them?

Brain Drain will persist. Effective Brain Gain depends heavily on the foresight of decision-makers.

Temporary Personal Assistant – Part Time

Our client is seeking a Super Star Assistant to provide cover ASAP for 8-12 months. This role offers :

Additional details :

Head Office : Level 7, 187 Queen Street, Auckland CBD.

P.O. Box 3033, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140, New Zealand

Telephone : OR | Facsimile : | Email : |

#J-18808-Ljbffr