An estimated 5,000 Irish trades people are being sought in New Zealand to help with the Christchurch rebuild, and new immigration rules will make it easier for the Irish to work there for longer. New Zealand Immigration is to extend the length of time allowed on the essential skills visa from one year to three years.

According to managaer at www.visafirst.com Edwina Shanahan, Irish workers already in Canterbury on a one-year essential skills visa will be able to extend their stay and those planning on going to New Zealand will not be limited to working for just one year with one employer. The changes will also allow holders of visas working in New Zealand to change employers with less paperwork.

Nutriobio Appointment

Nutribio has appointed Michael Reid, a ruminant nutritionist specialising in dairy cow supplementation, as business development executive for the export markets. His role will have particular emphasis on technical support. Michael has completed an undergraduate degree in animal biology, a postgraduate diploma in rural development, co-operative organisation and food marketing, and four years of research study at Teagasc Moorepark. To contact Michael, email mreid@nutribio.ie or call 0860277905.