Employer Webinar:
Workforce readiness 2026 —
Hiring, retention & accreditation planning
Date – Tuesday, 10 February 2026
This webinar brings together the key workforce considerations employers need to plan for over the next 12 to 24 months
Across New Zealand, skill shortages are beginning to re-emerge. At the same time, accreditation renewals are approaching, Immigration New Zealand scrutiny is increasing, and more visa holders are reaching the end of their current stay.
This session will help employers take a coordinated approach to recruitment, retention and accreditation, so workforce pressures do not become a barrier to business growth.
Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Duration: 30 mins
Format: Live webinar
Cost: Free
Why attend
We are seeing businesses that plan early in a much stronger position. Early preparation reduces disruption, protects workforce continuity and avoids unnecessary pressure when demand for skills increases.
This webinar will help you understand where the real risks sit, what Immigration New Zealand is focusing on for 2026, and what practical steps you can take now to protect your workforce.
Register
The webinar will cover
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Rising demand for skills – what it means for workforce planning over the next 12 to 24 months.
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Accreditation renewals: what employers should be preparing for now and why early action matters.
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Immigration audits and the areas INZ is paying closer attention to.
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What happens if your accreditation lapses.
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You don’t know what you don’t know – tools to ensure you are aware of what it means to be INZ complaint.
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Retention risks as visa holders reach the end of their current stay.
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Why eligibility assessments matter.
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How International recruitment can form part of a longer-term workforce strategy.
Who is this session for?
HR and people leaders
Accredited employers planning ahead for renewal
Businesses employing migrant workers or considering international recruitment
What you will take away
By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of:
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How to plan your workforce pipeline as labour demand increases.
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What to be doing now to prepare for accreditation renewal.
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How to reduce disruption and retention risk if renewal timelines are missed.
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How residence eligibility and international recruitment fit into a longer-term workforce strategy.
Our approach
We support employers with International Recruitment, Immigration and Settlement – all under one roof. This allows us to help businesses prepare early, reduce risk and retain skills, rather than reacting to issues once they become urgent.
This webinar is practical, focused and designed to give employers clarity and confidence as workforce pressures begin to build again.
Meet your presenters
Join our experts as they share practical insights and advice – what’s working, what’s changing, and what you need to do now to stay ahead.
Scott Mathieson
Co-founder of Working In, Scott has over 25 years’ experience working with New Zealand businesses across all industries, to address and solve their skills shortages.
Zinny Cheng
Corporate Services Manager and Licensed Immigration Adviser, Zinny has been a key member of the Working In team since 2015. Zinny has extensive experience and knowledge of New Zealand Immigration policy. She specialises in working alongside New Zealand employers across all industries to help them secure and retain key international staff.
Hilary Bonham
Business Manager for Working In, Hilary has helped hundreds of New Zealand employers navigate the fast-moving changes of employment and immigration.