Media Release

24 June 2009

The 2009 Samoa Quota (SQ) and Pacific Access Category (PAC) ballots were drawn today at 11am (New Zealand time).

Those successful in the ballots are invited to apply for residence in New Zealand if they obtain a satisfactory job offer and meet other immigration requirements.

Immigration New Zealand Director Pacific Division, Ross Grigg says the numbers of those drawn from this year’s SQ and PAC ballots were randomly selected and the results will be available next week.

The successful registration numbers will be displayed at the Immigration New Zealand branches in Nuku’alofa, Suva and Apia as well as at the Auckland Pacific Division Manukau, Westfield Plaza, New Zealand High Commission in Tarawa, Tuvalu High Commission in Suva and the Tuvalu Department of Labour. Lists will also be advertised in Pacific major newspapers and on the Immigration New Zealand website www.immigration.govt.nz

Mr Grigg says that now people have been successfully balloted, there are specific requirements they must meet to be able to enter New Zealand. “For those that were successful in today’s ballot, I urge you to start working through your application and read the application packs carefully, to ensure that you have fulfilled all the specific requirements as expected on preparation for your residency application,” says Mr Grigg. “If you need help to get started please contact your closest Immigration New Zealand office and we can advise you on the best way forward,” he adds.

Before the end of July, successful ballotees will be sent a letter inviting them to apply for New Zealand residence and an information pack.

A total of 14,735 applications were received under the 2009 Samoa Quota and the Pacific Access Category Schemes, this equates to 30,176 people. Last year 12,352 applications were received which totalled 31,409 people.

Mr Grigg says the high number of registration applications received this year demonstrate the keen interest of Pacific people in acquiring New Zealand residency.

Successful applicants under these quotas have until Friday 8 January 2010 to lodge their applications for New Zealand residency.

ENDS.

To Editors:

Ballot photos available upon request and should be credited to the Department of Labour.

For further information call 0274 422141 or media@dol.govt.nz