Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday 30th November 2018 - MP4 recording of 2 speakers ONLY

Seminar Date: 30th November 2018

THIS is a recording of 2 presentations only from the 30th November 2018 seminar. It will contribute 2 hours to your CPD.

Deportation of residents and temporary visa holders  - a hands-on practical guide to what all Practitioners need to know.  Peter Moses, Barrister, and Simon Laurent, Solicitor, Laurent Law will be providing a presentation on deportation liability and character issues that many clients face in both the resident and temporary visa space.

Tips On Dealing With Bona Fides by Katy Armstrong, Licensed Immigration Adviser, IntoNZ

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 26th October 2018

Seminar Date: 26th October 2018

Open and Update – Matt Gibbons, Vice Chairman, NZAMI

Stop Press: - in addition to the existing programme, we are now happy to announce that Andrew Galloway, the new Registrar (Immigration Advisers Authority), appointed on the 17^th October, will be joining us on the podium to introduce himself to industry for the first time. 

Stop Stop Press: Counting Down to the Post-Study changes - in the lead up to the 26 November changes and ahead of actual instructions, we will be joined by Celia Coombes, INZ Sector Manager (Education) and Craig Chambers, INZ Senior Business Analyst for an in-depth discussion of those changes.  In particular, Celia and Craig will be walking us through some of the many scenarios that have been challenging the policy writers.  This will prepare you for the practical application of the changes to come.

Did you know? – a brief interlude to traverse some lesser known and perhaps surprising parts of immigration instructions.

Student Funds - an A-Z.  Student funds is one of those areas which may seem straightforward but often vexes even the most experienced practitioner.  For this session, we will be joined again by Celia Coombes, and also Marcelle Foley, Head of INZ Operations in Mumbai, Gareth Grigg, INZ Operations Manager in Beijing, and Lisa Weakley, INZ Practice Lead in Palmerston North, as well as Licensed Immigration Advisers from different markets: Vandana Rai, LIA, Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd (India); Gisela Combrinck (Herath), LIA, Beverley International NZ Ltd (Sri Lanka) and Ruby Ho, LIA, International Education Fund (China).  In this facilitated session, we will cover:

• what’s in instructions but also what’s not i.e. market-specific requirements;
• fraud and associated risk management
• first time versus repeat student applicants including use of:
  • own funds - e.g. savings, land or other asset sales
  • loans
  • sponsors 
  • financial undertakers
  • the Funds Transfer Scheme
• scenarios illustrating some of the trickier areas

Industry Forum - a chance to discuss matters of generalised interest/concern.

Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 21st September 2018

Seminar Date: 21st September 2018

1.20 pm        Open and Update - June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

1.30 pm        Changes to the Overseas Investment Act impact all of us working in the immigration space as from 22 October 2018. Pedro Morgan, Principal Advisor, Overseas Investment Office will be presentingon the changes and fielding Q&A

2.30 pm        Economists Peter Wilson and Julie Fry have developed a new framework for thinking about migration, which they have published in their book Better Lives: Migration, Wellbeing and New Zealand.  Peter Wilson will outline the contents of the book and discuss how their framework could be used to shape migration settings in New Zealand

3.10 pm        Afternoon Tea and Networking

3.30 pm        Criminal/Immigration Interfaces  -  Samira Taghavi, Criminal Defence Lawyer and Strategy Coordinator with Active Legal will present on protecting clients from convictions and the legal process to obtain a Discharge without Conviction, plus what LIA’s can do to help that process and better protect their clients

4.10 pm        Specific Purpose or Event Visas – Sahar Shamia, LL.B/BA and Licensed Immigration Adviser with Malcolm Pacific will walk us through the ins and outs and some of the grey areas of instructions

5.10 pm        Industry Forum - an opportunity for airing issues of general interest/concern

5.25 pm        Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

MP4 of Afternoon session of the 2018 NZAMI Annual Conference

Seminar Date: 17th August 2018

MP4 recording of AFTERNOON SESSION will give you 4 hours towards your CPD

1.30 pm                Anything is Achievable - Pic Picot, Amazing Entrepreneur   

2.15 pm                Managing the Cultural Differences Encountered in our Immigration work - Dean Foster, Founder DFA Intercultural Global Solutions (www.deanfosterglobal.com)

An interactive exploration of how effectively managing cultural differences in our day-to-day work can mean the difference between succeeding or struggling in achieving our mission. 

Dean will provide critical strategies for leveraging cultural differences for greater success that can be implemented every day in our work with various global cultures.

3.15 pm                Afternoon Tea and Sponsor Tables

3.45 pm                Changing attitudes to implement policy – Speakers will discuss the role that should be played by New Zealand, a country built by migrants and will feature lively discussions with speakers chosen for their first-hand knowledge and views on the effectiveness of immigration policies.  Are the policies recognising the significant impact migrants make on the economy through contributions as workers, taxpayers and consumers.  They will explore the varied causes of the current crisis and the unique challenges that come with migrants.

Peter Elms, Assistant General Manager, Business & Specialist, INZ 

Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Massey University 

Alejandra Mercado, INZ’s Operational Policy Manager 

FACILITATED by June Ranson, Licensed Immigration Adviser   

4.45 pm                Changes to Australian Immigration – What can they expect now? - Amanda Tinner, Registered Migration Agent, Visa Executive Pty Ltd 

Another year of change has seen further movement in the migration program. We will highlight the changes that have happened and pin point those that are currently in play such as the proposed tightening of citizenship requirements, temporary parent visas, 2 step partner visas and occupation lists.  Job growth is on the rise and unemployment decreasing but does this have anything to do with the migration program changes – it depends on who you listen to.

5.30 pm                Closing - Mark Sainsbury, NZAMI Conference MC 

2018 NZAMI Annual Conference

Seminar Date: 17th August 2018

FULL Day MP4 recording will give you 8 hours towards your CPD

8.00 am                Registration

8.30 am                Opening by MC – Mark Sainsbury  

8.40 am                Welcome by the 2017/2018 NZAMI Chairperson - June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson 

8.50 am                Keynote Address – The Honourable Iain Lees-Galloway, Minister of Immigration 

9.30 am                Resetting the Immigration New Zealand & NZAMI relationship - Greg Patchell, Deputy Chief Executive, Immigration New Zealand

Greg will talk about the new era of the INZ and NZAMI relationship and the collaborative approach both organisations are taking.  He will also cover off the new engagement framework and some initiatives already underway as well as providing an update on the implementation of the new Visa Services operating model.

10.15 am              Morning Tea and Sponsor Tables

10.45 am              Immigration’s role in New Zealand’s Changing Economy - Tony Alexander, Chief Economist, Strategy & Business Performance, BNZ  

11.45 am              How a similar size economy to New Zealand can perform better than we do – Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director, The New Zealand Initiative  

New Zealand is a small and remote nation.  But that does not mean we cannot be world-class in our ambitions.  By learning from the best countries in the world, we can lift our game.   All it requires is curiosity, openness to change and good leadership.

12.30 pm              Lunch and Sponsor Tables

1.30 pm                Anything is Achievable - Pic Picot, Amazing Entrepreneur   

2.15 pm                Managing the Cultural Differences Encountered in our Immigration work - Dean Foster, Founder DFA Intercultural Global Solutions (www.deanfosterglobal.com)

An interactive exploration of how effectively managing cultural differences in our day-to-day work can mean the difference between succeeding or struggling in achieving our mission. 

Dean will provide critical strategies for leveraging cultural differences for greater success that can be implemented every day in our work with various global cultures.

3.15 pm                Afternoon Tea and Sponsor Tables

3.45 pm                Changing attitudes to implement policy – Speakers will discuss the role that should be played by New Zealand, a country built by migrants and will feature lively discussions with speakers chosen for their first-hand knowledge and views on the effectiveness of immigration policies.  Are the policies recognising the significant impact migrants make on the economy through contributions as workers, taxpayers and consumers.  They will explore the varied causes of the current crisis and the unique challenges that come with migrants.

Peter Elms, Assistant General Manager, Business & Specialist, INZ 

Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Massey University 

Alejandra Mercado, INZ’s Operational Policy Manager 

FACILITATED by June Ranson, Licensed Immigration Adviser   

4.45 pm                Changes to Australian Immigration – What can they expect now? - Amanda Tinner, Registered Migration Agent, Visa Executive Pty Ltd 

Another year of change has seen further movement in the migration program. We will highlight the changes that have happened and pin point those that are currently in play such as the proposed tightening of citizenship requirements, temporary parent visas, 2 step partner visas and occupation lists.  Job growth is on the rise and unemployment decreasing but does this have anything to do with the migration program changes – it depends on who you listen to.

5.30 pm                Closing - Mark Sainsbury, NZAMI Conference MC 

5.40 pm                Networking Drinks

MP4 of Morning session of the 2018 NZAMI Annual Conference

Seminar Date: 17th August 2018

MP4 recording of MORNING SESSION will give you 4 hours towards your CPD

8.30 am                Opening by MC – Mark Sainsbury  

8.40 am                Welcome by the 2017/2018 NZAMI Chairperson - June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson 

8.50 am                Keynote Address – The Honourable Iain Lees-Galloway, Minister of Immigration 

9.30 am                Resetting the Immigration New Zealand & NZAMI relationship - Greg Patchell, Deputy Chief Executive, Immigration New Zealand

Greg will talk about the new era of the INZ and NZAMI relationship and the collaborative approach both organisations are taking.  He will also cover off the new engagement framework and some initiatives already underway as well as providing an update on the implementation of the new Visa Services operating model.

10.15 am              Morning Tea and Sponsor Tables

10.45 am              Immigration’s role in New Zealand’s Changing Economy - Tony Alexander, Chief Economist, Strategy & Business Performance, BNZ  

11.45 am              How a similar size economy to New Zealand can perform better than we do – Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director, The New Zealand Initiative  

New Zealand is a small and remote nation.  But that does not mean we cannot be world-class in our ambitions.  By learning from the best countries in the world, we can lift our game.   All it requires is curiosity, openness to change and good leadership.

Webinar on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (08 August 2018)

Seminar Date: 8th August 2018

(This Webinar and its recording will contribute 1.5 hours towards CPD.)

STOP PRESS:   From  1 July 2018 (!)  taking INZ and other third-party fees in advance will bring you within the new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Act 2017!!!!

The legal profession was given plenty of notice of this new regime, but the Licensed Advisory profession was not.  We covered this topic at our last Auckland seminar, but any adviser who did not attend ought to be aware of the new rules.  We are therefore running this WEBINAR to raise awareness as e.g. taking INZ fees in advance seems to be fairly widespread practice that would be caught.

Webinar Date:  Wednesday, 08^th August 2018

Webinar Time:  2 pm to 3.30 pm (local NZ time)

Presenting will be:

Cindia Chiu, Senior Advisor Engagement and Innovation/Regulatory Services will be presenting for the Department of Internal Affairs

 Also joining us to discuss the practical knock-ons for immigration practitioners will be Rachael Jhinku, Senior Solicitor with Bell Associates Lawyers and Kim Saull, Senior LIA with E-Migration

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 22nd June 2018 - MP4 recordings of 2 speakers ONLY

Seminar Date: 22nd June 2018

THIS is a recording of 2 presentations only from the 22nd June 2018 seminar.  It will contribute 1 hour 40 minutes to your CPD.

Working with Low Skilled Occupations (ANZSCO 4-5) - Borey Chum, Licensed Adviser of Director of Migration Associates

Verification - a discussion led by Simon Moore of E-Migration (Christchurch) and former policeman, NZAMI Director

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 11th May 2018

Seminar Date: 11th May 2018

1.10 pm        Open and Update - June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

1.20 pm        Peter Elms, Assistant General Manager of Visa Services and Nathanael Mackay - the new Head of the INZ Manukau Branch will be talking about current developments within INZ

1.55 pm        Jade Reid, Relationship Manager and Daniel Strong, Technical Advisor from INZ Manukau Branch and Arunima Dhingra of AIMS Global Education & Immigration Services as Facilitator discussing current thinking in the WD1 Post-Study Employer-Assisted Work Visa space in a facilitated discussion

2.30 pm        Peter Elms, Assistant General Manager of Visa Services discussing the Entrepreneur Visa  

3.00 pm        Afternoon Tea and Networking

3.25 pm        John Petris, Specialist Immigration Lawyer - Kramer v Kramer - conflicts of interest in Partnership Cases

4.10 pm        Richard Small, Pacific Legal on Disclosure from INZ - Accessing Information that may be useful to Your Clients

4.55 pm        Industry Forum - an opportunity for airing issues of general interest/concern

5.20 pm        Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 16th February 2018

Seminar Date: 16th February 2018

1.15 pm        Open and Update - June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

1.25 pm        Sustainability of employment - a current hot topic affecting both temporary and residence applications.  Damon Parker of Swiftvisa will provide critical analysis of instructions, their interpretation and relevant IPT decisions. 

We will also have the benefit of input Daniel Strong (TA, Manukau) and Wayne Nahi (TA, Henderson) to shed light on the INZ approach.

2.15 pm        Ongoing issues affecting farm workers in the temporary work and skilled migrant arena.  As practitioners will be aware, there are ongoing issues with uncertainty over farm worker skill levels.  Graydon Sharratt of Greenstone Global will update us on current state of play and also lobbying by the farming industry to seek a "phase 2" solution.

3.00 pm        Afternoon Tea and Networking

3.20 pm        ICT Support Officers in SMC applications - as recently reported in the media, Laurent Law has taken 15 cases to the IPT which have been referred back to INZ as flawed - see:   http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/347726/immigration-nz-accepts-assessments-were-flawed

Simon Laurent himself will ​join us to give the background and field questions about these case​s​.  A "must know" for all those working in the SMC arena. 

4.00pm        Shifting Sands in Partnership Cases - practical tips from Katy Armstrong, Into NZ.  

While partnership instructions are essentially the same, practitioners will have felt the shifting of sands as INZ tightens its approach (perhaps as a precursor to policy change?).  Katy will build on prior CPD to provide updated practical tips on how to assess and manage partnership cases in the current environment, using case scenarios to generate some discussion.

4.45 pm        Industry Forum  –this is an opportunity for NZAMI Members to share any issues of general concern / interest affecting the industry and feed into the work of the NZAMI Board.

5.15 pm        Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 01st December 2017

Seminar Date: 1st December 2017

For the final seminar of the year we will be doing something very different.

We will have Nigel Bickle, Chief Executive INZ patching in from Sydney to talk to us, along with Peter Elms, Director of Operations, in person.  Both will be giving perspectives on the year that’s been and what lies ahead.

This will be followed by an extended networking opportunity with a large group of senior INZ staff as follows:

Peter Elms – Director of Operations, Visa Services

Jeannie Melville - Assistant General Manager

Janine Parsons – Area Manager, Manukau Area Office and NADO

Neeraj Nagpal – Operations Manager, Manukau Area Office

Marion Nieuwland – Operations Manager, Manukau Area Office

Linda Yuan – Immigration Manager SMC, Manukau Area Office,

Juliet Bruce – Immigration Manager s61, Manukau Area Office

Sailesh Chand – Immigration Manager Family Residence, Manukau Area Office

Christine McGaughey – Area Manager, Henderson Area Office and Hamilton Area Office

Jade Reid – Relationship Manager

Emma McFarland – Immigration Manager Family Residence, Henderson Area Office

Paul Arram – Immigration Manager SMC, Henderson Area Office

Fleur Gray – Technical Adviser Temporary Entry, Henderson Area Office

Dave Lemalie– Technical Adviser Temporary Entry, Henderson Area Office

Amanda Wang – Technical Adviser SMC, Henderson Area Office

Sherine Wilson – Operations Manager (Acting), Henderson Area Office 

These staff will be paired  and LIAs/Lawyers will have an opportunity to meet all of them.

And to top off the agenda, Elly Fleming, Solicitor with Pitt & Moore Lawyers & Notary Public in Nelson  (https://www.pittandmoore.co.nz/our-team/elly-fleming/).

Elly be presenting to us on “Reciprocity with Australia – our not so fair friends”.   Elly brought to New Zealand over 12 years experience in the Australian immigration industry.  With Jacinda Ardern’s recent statements at ensuring fairness between the two countries, this topic is timely.

Webinar Webinar on Essential Skills & SMC Policy Changes (25 August 2017)

Seminar Date: 25th August 2017

(This Webinar and its recording is worth 1 1/2 hours towards your CPD)

STOP PRESS:  WEBINAR THIS FRIDAY ( 25^th August 2017 ) from 2.00 - 3.30 pm (LOCAL NZ TIME)

Webinar to discuss ESSENTIAL SKILLS & SMC POLICY CHANGES

An opportunity to fully get to grips with the full working of the new instructions.

Katy Armstrong will be joined by Susan Cooke and Jason Austin, Senior Business Analysts in Immigration New Zealand’s Operational Policy team plus a representative from Visa Services to discuss key changes and field general Q&A.

Questions in advance by email to katy@intonz.co.nz are welcome.

MP4 of Afternoon session of the 2017 NZAMI Annual Conference

Seminar Date: 18th August 2017

MP4 recording of AFTERNOON SESSION will give you 4 hours towards your CPD

1.00 pm                Kathy Tracey, Executive & Leadership Team Coach & Guinness World Record Holder

1.40 pm                Immigration, New Zealand, and Growth – Dr Eric Crampton, Chief Economist at The New Zealand Initiative.  Immigration, and immigrants, have taken the blame for a wide range of problems in New Zealand.  Are immigrants really taking all the jobs, and all the houses? Dr Crampton walks through the latest evidence from the New Zealand Initiative’s recent report on immigration. The economic penalties attached to being a small and distant place seem to be increasing. While New Zealand cannot move closer to its trading partners, a growing population can help – and especially if other policies around infrastructure and housing do not work to cross-purposes.

2.25 pm                Across the Ditch - Amanda Tinner, Registered Migration Agent, Visa Executive Pty Ltd.  An opportunity to hear what is happening in the immigration world in Australia

3.00 pm                Afternoon Tea and Sponsor Tables

3.30 pm                Perspectives on Recent Policy Developments and research insights on the lives of work visa holders - Francis L. Collins, Rutherford Discovery Fellow, University of Auckland

INTERVIEWED by Katy Armstrong, Licensed Immigration Adviser

4.20 pm               IMMIGRATION DEBATE

National Party -  Dr Jian Yang  

Labour Party – Iain Lees-Galloway

Green Party - Denise Roche  

Maori Party 

ACT - David Seymour 

United Future - Peter Dunne

NZ First - Mahesh Bindra 

FACILITATED by Mark Sainsbury 

5.20 pm                Closing- Mark Sainsbury, NZAMI Conference MC

2017 NZAMI Annual Conference - Register here for the CONFERENCE ONLY, this does not include the Awards Dinner

Seminar Date: 18th August 2017

FULL Day MP4 recording will give you 8 hours towards your CPD

8.00 am                Registration Open

8.30 am                Opening – Mark Sainsbury, NZAMI Conference MC

8.40 am                Welcome by the 2016/2017 NZAMI Chairperson - June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

8.50 am                Keynote Address – The Honourable Michael Woodhouse, Minister of Immigration

9.40 am                Immigration – the 5-year forward landscape – Nigel Bickle, Deputy Chief Executive - Immigration, MBIE 

10.15 am              Morning Tea and Sponsor Tables

10.45 am              Immigration v Tourism PANEL DISCUSSION

Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Massey University 

Mark Futter, CEO Chamber of Commerce, Lower Hutt

Bruce Robertson, At Your Service Aotearoa

FACILITATED by Peter Moses, Barrister

12.00 pm              Lunch and Sponsor Tables

1.00 pm                Kathy Tracey, Executive & Leadership Team Coach & Guinness World Record Holder

1.40 pm                Immigration, New Zealand, and Growth – Dr Eric Crampton, Chief Economist at The New Zealand Initiative.  Immigration, and immigrants, have taken the blame for a wide range of problems in New Zealand.  Are immigrants really taking all the jobs, and all the houses? Dr Crampton walks through the latest evidence from the New Zealand Initiative’s recent report on immigration. The economic penalties attached to being a small and distant place seem to be increasing. While New Zealand cannot move closer to its trading partners, a growing population can help – and especially if other policies around infrastructure and housing do not work to cross-purposes.

2.25 pm                Across the Ditch - Amanda Tinner, Registered Migration Agent, Visa Executive Pty Ltd.  An opportunity to hear what is happening in the immigration world in Australia

3.00 pm                Afternoon Tea and Sponsor Tables

3.30 pm                Perspectives on Recent Policy Developments and research insights on the lives of work visa holders - Francis L. Collins, Rutherford Discovery Fellow, University of Auckland

INTERVIEWED by Katy Armstrong, Licensed Immigration Adviser

4.20 pm               IMMIGRATION DEBATE

National Party -  Dr Jian Yang  

Labour Party – Iain Lees-Galloway

Green Party - Denise Roche  

Maori Party 

ACT - David Seymour 

United Future - Peter Dunne

NZ First - Mahesh Bindra 

FACILITATED by Mark Sainsbury 

5.20 pm                Closing- Mark Sainsbury, NZAMI Conference MC

MP4 of Morning session of the 2017 NZAMI Annual Conference

Seminar Date: 18th August 2017

MP4 recording of MORNING SESSION will give you 3 1/2 hours towards your CPD

8.30 am                Opening – Mark Sainsbury, NZAMI Conference MC

8.40 am                Welcome by the 2016/2017 NZAMI Chairperson - June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

8.50 am                Keynote Address – The Honourable Michael Woodhouse, Minister of Immigration

9.40 am                Immigration – the 5-year forward landscape – Nigel Bickle, Deputy Chief Executive - Immigration, MBIE 

10.15 am              Morning Tea and Sponsor Tables

10.45 am              Immigration v Tourism PANEL DISCUSSION

Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Massey University 

Mark Futter, CEO Chamber of Commerce, Lower Hutt

Bruce Robertson, At Your Service Aotearoa

FACILITATED by Peter Moses, Barrister

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 28th July 2017

Seminar Date: 28th July 2017

1.20 pm     Open and Update by Matt Gibbons, Board Vice-Chairperson

1.30 pm     Privacy Matters!  A presentation by Daimhin Warner of Simply Privacy (see http://simplyprivacy.co.nz/who-we-are for more information) followed by discussion with Tuariki Delamere, LIA and former Immigration Minister and Simon Laurent, Barrister and Principal of Laurent Law. 

This will include consideration of how requests by INZ for wide ranging information about employers fit with New Zealand Privacy Laws.

2.40 pm     A question of “relevance” - Damon Parker, LIA, looks at comparative interpretations of "relevance" of qualifications in the WD1 and SMC instructions.

3.15 pm     Afternoon Tea and Networking

3.45 pm     ​This session has been reserved to discuss SMC changes if new instructions have been certified. 

If not, Simon Laurent will present on the latest from the Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal. 

4.45 pm     Open Forum

5.15 pm     Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 09th June 2017

Seminar Date: 9th June 2017

1.05 pm     Open and Update by June Ranson, Board Chairperson

1.15 pm     Policy Updates from Nick Aldous, Director of Policy Integration for INZ.   Following on from the CCH Conference, this session will look at the upcoming policy changes, with a focus on SMC and Essentials Skills work visas.

2.10 pm     Partnership Visas - Matthew Gibbons, Licensed Immigration Adviser of Into NZ and Karishma Malek, Licensed Immigration Adviser of Meridian Consulting will discuss strategies for dealing with different types of partnership cases on and off-shore.

3.40 pm     Afternoon Tea and Networking

4.00 pm     WD1 Post Study Employer Assisted visa updates - Arunima Dhingra, Licensed Immigration Adviser of AIMS Global Education & Immigration Services discusses recent issues facing graduates applying for WD1 visas.  It seems goalposts have been once again been mobile around "relevance" of practical experience to the New Zealand qualification in what appears to be another bid to close off options for international graduates.

4.40 pm     Open Forum

5.10 pm     Networking Drinks (all Welcome!)

Webinar Webinar on the new Global Impact Visa (4 April 2017)

Seminar Date: 4th April 2017

This Webinar will provide 2 hours towards CPD (attending or the recording).

Presenters:  Nigel Bickle, Deputy Chief Executive – Immigration New Zealand at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Yoseph Ayele, Chief Executive and Lauren Peate, Candidate Attraction, Edmund Hillary Fellowship.

This session will provide an introduction to the Edmund Hillary Fellowship and the Global Impact Visa and how Immigration Practitioners can best engage with the new initiative.

Generous time will be given for Q&A so as to be able to drill down into the full background and workings of this initiative.

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 31st March 2017

Seminar Date: 31st March 2017

This Seminar will provide you with 4 hours CPD (attending in person, live stream or MP4)

1.00pm      Open and Update by June Ranson, Board Chairperson

1.15pm      Employment Law Cross Overs with Visa Processes – an in-depth Q&A session with a panel of experienced employment lawyers: 

                  Michelle Pollak, Neilsons Lawyers

                  Kate Ashcroft, Copeland Ashcroft Law

                  Marty Logan and Nick Mason, Pitt & Moore

There will be a facilitated Q&A session, with time given to cover the most pressing questions that crop up for immigration practitioners.         

3.15 pm     Afternoon Tea and Networking

3.45 pm     “The New New Zealanders: Why Migrants Make Good Kiwis" - Jason Krupp and/or Dr. Rachel Hodder from the New Zealand Initiative, speaking on their recent report

4.45 pm     Open Forum

5.15 pm     Networking Drinks (all Welcome!)

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 10th February 2017

Seminar Date: 10th February 2017

The recording of this Seminar (MP4) will provide you with 4 hours CPD

1.00pm         THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT “HOT POTATO”- in the past year fraud and other problems dogging the international student market have come to a head and there has been a good deal of media coverage.  Following on from our last Auckland seminar, we now bring together the major players in setting standards in international education to discuss the current issues.  They are: 

INZ           Steve McGill  - General Manager, Settlement, Protection and Attraction (SPA)

Andy Jackson  - Manager, Immigration Policy

NZQA      Grant Klinkum - Deputy Chief Executive, Quality Assurance

Education New Zealand  -  John Goulter - General Manager, Stakeholders, Communications & Intelligence

Ministry of Education - Emily Fabling - Director, International

IAA Catherine Albiston  - Registrar, IAA

2.40 pm        Afternoon Tea and Networking

3.05 pm        Please note due to ongoing earthquake impact on BMB premises, this next segment has been changed.  It will now be ENTREPRENEUR VISAS – a panel discussion to examine some of the more challenging aspects of Entrepreneur instructions. It will include the following practitioners: 

Fahim Gul, Licensed Immigration Adviser, Success Global Limited

Richard Howard, Licensed Immigration Adviser, Pathways To New Zealand Ltd

Carsten Hallwass, Licensed Immigration Adviser, New Zealand Immigration Concepts Limited

Josh Honeywell, Technical Adviser, BMB

Jonathan Maitland, Immigration Manager, BMB 

 Investor policy is being re-written currently and will therefore be covered at a different date TBC.

4.40 pm        THE LABOUR INSPECTORATE – UPDATES by Loua Ward, Regional Manager, Counties Manukau.  As all practitioners will be aware, developments in the employer compliance space is extremely topical and so in this session, we hear from the horse’s mouth about the workplace practices that are seen as most problematic including migrant exploitation and steps being taken to address these.

5.30 pm        Networking Drinks (all Welcome!)

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 25th November 2016

Seminar Date: 25th November 2016

The MP4 recording of this seminar is worth 4 hours towards your CPD

1.20 pm        OPENING

1.30 pm        Judge Spiller, giving an end-of-year look at the work of the IPT (Immigration and Protection Tribunal)- Judge Peter Spiller, Chairperson of the Immigration and Protection Tribunal

2.15 pm        Updates from the Palmerston North Branch - Katy Aldcroft (Immigration Manager, Palmerston North Branch, INZ)

2.45pm         Panel on the latest "hot" student issues:  with

Arunima Dhingra (Licensed Immigration Adviser, AIMS Global Education & Immigration Services)

Alastair McClymont (Lawyer, McClymont and Associates)

Discussions will include issues to do with fraud, funds, IELTS and PTE failings: what’s been; what’s happening now and where to from here.

3.45 pm        Afternoon Tea and Networking

4.10 pm        Damon Parker, (Licensed Immigration Adviser, Swiftvisa), on the all-important topic of "Employer Documentation". 

This session will look at how to manage the flow of information around employer compliance and workplace practices in both work and skilled migrant residence visa applications.

5.00 pm        Members Only Forum 

5.30 pm        Networking Drinks (all Welcome!)

Webinar NZQA Qualifications Recognition Processes (2 November 2016)

Seminar Date: 2nd November 2016

This Webinar and its recording will provide you with 1 1/2 hours towards your CPD !

​With the recent changes to SMC policy, reaching the new 160 points threshold may require much greater reliance on points for recognised qualifications.

We therefore thought it timely to arrange a session with the NZQA to upskill/update practitioner knowledge around qualifications recognition processes.

The NZQA have been asked to address the following:

• likely impact of the new rules on NZQA resourcing 
• basic criteria for recognition of overseas qualifications to help advisers identify which qualifications may/may not be able to get the desired outcome
• assessing of qualifications against the LTSSL
• do's and don'ts when submitting PARs/IQAs
• the role of the NZQA in assessing prior learning and cross-credits

Plus time will be allocated for Q&A.

Webinar New English Language Providers Part 2 (27 October 2016)

Seminar Date: 27th October 2016

This Webinar and its recording will provide you with 1 1/2 hours towards your CPD !

As we know, from 21 November 2016 there will be 4 new English language providers to provide greater choice to the increased numbers of clients who will require mandatory testing.  They are:

• TOEFL
• PEARSON
• OET
• FCE/FCE for schools

Therefore we have arranged for two webinars, and this Webinar is Part 2 of 2, to be held Thursday, 27^th October at 1.30pm to 3.00pm (NZ time) featuring the OET and FCE/FCE for schools tests.  The providers have been asked to cover:

• key features of their tests and how they work
• points of difference as between the tests
• recommended preparation
• locations and turn around times
• costs and any special adviser discounts 
• Q & A

Webinar New English Language Providers Part 1 (26 October 2016)

Seminar Date: 26th October 2016

This Webinar and its recording will provide you with 1 1/2 hours towards your CPD !

As we know, from 21 November 2016 there will be 4 new English language providers to provide greater choice to the increased numbers of clients who will require mandatory testing.  They are:

• TOEFL
• PEARSON
• OET
• FCE/FCE for schools

Therefore we have arranged for one webinar to be held next Wednesday, 26^th October at 4pm to 5.30pm (NZ time) featuring the TOEFL and PEARSON tests.  The providers have been asked to cover:

• key features of their tests and how they work
• points of difference as between the tests
• recommended preparation
• locations and turn around times
• costs and any special adviser discounts 
• Q & A

A 2nd webinar is agreed in principle but we are just awaiting the precise day and time - but we have proposed Thursday or Friday of next week.  

With regards to the Pearson test they are also going to be organising an open visit to their test centre in Auckland in November and more information will be announced in due course once the details are known.  The webinar, however, will suit those seeking information now and those unable to attend an event in Auckland.

Webinar Dramatic changes to SMC and Tier One Parent instructions (18 October 2016)

Seminar Date: 18th October 2016

This Webinar and its recording will provide you with 2 hours towards your CPD !

***** EMERGENCY WEBINAR ****  

TUESDAY, 18TH OCTOBER 2016 AT 11AM (NZ TIME)

In light of this week's dramatic changes to SMC and Tier One Parent instructions, the NZAMI has called an emergency webinar to discuss implications of these changes. This is a time when practitioners need to be across these changes like a rash and to have the agility to think laterally to help Clients rise to the new challenges ahead.

Representing MBIE:

-         Kathy Tait, Team Leader - Operational Policy (team responsible for drafting and publicising immigration instructions & working with Visa Services around implementation)

-          Jade Reid, Relationship Manager (Visa Services)

-          Amie Conning - Immigration Manager, SMC

Also Invited but TBC are the NZQA.

The purpose of this webinar will include:

• clarifying any issues that may still be unclear around implementation of these new policies
• taking a fresh look at the SMC points categories to look at aspects which we may not have needed to rely on to date
• to revisit the NZQA processes & implications arising from these changes (such as timeliness)

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 07th October 2016

Seminar Date: 7th October 2016

The MP4 recording of this seminar is worth 4 hours towards your CPD

1.30 pm           OPENING – June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

1.45 pm          Section 61 Requests (by popular demand!) - Saif Shaikh, LIA, Immigration Advice New Zealand Ltd, and Kate Woodward, Manager of the S.61 Team, INZ

This will cover the legal basis for making a S.61 request and the controversy around "absolute discretion" and lack of reasons for decision.  It will also provide practical tips around choosing to make and advocating for a S.61 request.

2.40 pm            Investor Visas - David Cooper, LIA, Malcolm Pacific

This session will look at various aspects of the Investor Visa Category from a practical adviser's perspective.

3.30 pm            Afternoon Tea and Networking

4.00 pm            Professional Writing for Immigration Advocates- Peter Moses, Barrister

This session will look at the all-important issue of drafting, both in terms of submissions to decision-makers but also to clients & how to ensure the obligation to record advice in writing is met.

5.00 pm            Members Only Forum 

5.30 pm            Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

Webinar Workplace Practices in SMC (15 September 2016)

Seminar Date: 15th September 2016

This Webinar and it's recording (webcast) are worth 1 1/2 hours towards your CPD

This webinar provides a timely analysis of the requirements under SM7.20b and W2.10.5 and the inter-relationship with S.350 of the Immigration Act 2009.

There has been a palpable tightening around employer obligations in the immigration context in recent times which is having a ripple effect across job-dependent temporary and residence visas.  This is therefore an area in which all immigration practitioners need to be sharpening their tools. 

MP4 of Afternoon session of the 2016 NZAMI Annual Conference

Seminar Date: 12th August 2016

MP4 recording of AFTERNOON SESSION will give you 4 hours towards your CPD

8.00 am                Registration

8.30 am                Opening byMC – Phil O’Reilly, Director, Iron Duke Partners

8.40 am                Welcome by the 2015/2016 NZAMI Chairperson - June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

8.50 am                Keynote Address – The Honourable Michael Woodhouse, Minister of Immigration

9.20 am                Overview of everything immigration – where will immigration be in 18 months – Nigel Bickle, Deputy Chief Executive -  Immigration, MBIE

10.00 am              Morning Tea and Sponsor Tables

10.30 am              Entrepreneur visas and succession planning for New Zealand – Cameron Bagrie, Chief Economist, ANZ Bank.

This segment will provide an understanding as to why Entrepreneurs are essential to New Zealand’s economic growth and the role these business entrepreneurs can fill with the opportunities that exist from business succession planning - from an Economist’s point of view.

11.20 am              Going Places – Increasing the benefits of migration for New Zealand – Hayden Glass, Principal, Sapere Research Group

Hayden Glass, the co-author of a book about migration called “Going Places”, focuses on the need for smarter immigration policies to get the greatest benefit for New Zealand.  He highlights the impacts of New Zealand’s large migration flows over many years, looks at the Global Impact Visa and other innovative ideas, and questions if we are attracting people who can help with economic transformation for New Zealand or if we are just filling gaps.

12.00 pm              Lunch and Sponsor Tables

1.00 pm                Billy Graham – A world class international speaker, Billy Graham is New Zealand’s best loved motivator and fitness adviser.  Bold, humorous and brimming over with energy and enthusiasm, Billy is passionate about inspiring people to increase their potential.  He is a former New Zealand and Australasian light welter-weight boxing champion and has spent a lifetime in sports and physical fitness.  He has achieved international success through goal setting and determination and has turned common sense into an art form.

1.40 pm                ‘How Much is Too Much! - Balancing Immigration’

• how much more immigration is sustainable
• is it good if New Zealand keeps changing with immigration
• the overall benefits of Immigration to the New Zealand  economy   

Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner, Human Rights Commission  

Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Minister for Ethnic Communities

Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Massey University

Tony Alexander, Chief Economist, BNZ

FACILITATOR:  Peter Moses, NZAMI Director

3.00 pm                Afternoon Tea and Sponsor Tables

3.30 pm                ‘The Encouraging Mood of “Corruption” in New Zealand’ - Do we have any corruption in NZ?   What is corruption?  Evidence indicates that corruption has been around for thousands of years, but in recent years it has attracted increasing attention.   Does the attention reflect an increasing awareness or an increasing scope of the problem?  What needs to be done and how do we bring about the necessary changes?

Introduction by June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson, main speakers are:

Peter Devoy, Assistant General Manager, Compliance and Border Operations, MBIE

Marina Matthews, Partner at Chen Palmer, CEO of Superdiversity Centre for Law, Policy and Business

Mark Mitchell, National MP for Rodney and Chair of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee

Suzanne Snively, ONZM, Chair Transparency International NZ Inc

4.45 pm                Closing by MC – Phil O’Reilly, Director, Iron Duke Partners

5.00 pm                Networking Drinks

2016 NZAMI Annual Conference

Seminar Date: 12th August 2016

FULL Day MP4 recording will give you 8 hours towards your CPD

8.00 am                Registration

8.30 am                Opening byMC – Phil O’Reilly, Director, Iron Duke Partners

8.40 am                Welcome by the 2015/2016 NZAMI Chairperson - June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

8.50 am                Keynote Address – The Honourable Michael Woodhouse, Minister of Immigration

9.20 am                Overview of everything immigration – where will immigration be in 18 months – Nigel Bickle, Deputy Chief Executive -  Immigration, MBIE

10.00 am              Morning Tea and Sponsor Tables

10.30 am              Entrepreneur visas and succession planning for New Zealand – Cameron Bagrie, Chief Economist, ANZ Bank.

This segment will provide an understanding as to why Entrepreneurs are essential to New Zealand’s economic growth and the role these business entrepreneurs can fill with the opportunities that exist from business succession planning - from an Economist’s point of view.

11.20 am              Going Places – Increasing the benefits of migration for New Zealand – Hayden Glass, Principal, Sapere Research Group

Hayden Glass, the co-author of a book about migration called “Going Places”, focuses on the need for smarter immigration policies to get the greatest benefit for New Zealand.  He highlights the impacts of New Zealand’s large migration flows over many years, looks at the Global Impact Visa and other innovative ideas, and questions if we are attracting people who can help with economic transformation for New Zealand or if we are just filling gaps.

12.00 pm              Lunch and Sponsor Tables

1.00 pm                Billy Graham – A world class international speaker, Billy Graham is New Zealand’s best loved motivator and fitness adviser.  Bold, humorous and brimming over with energy and enthusiasm, Billy is passionate about inspiring people to increase their potential.  He is a former New Zealand and Australasian light welter-weight boxing champion and has spent a lifetime in sports and physical fitness.  He has achieved international success through goal setting and determination and has turned common sense into an art form.

1.40 pm                ‘How Much is Too Much! - Balancing Immigration’

• how much more immigration is sustainable
• is it good if New Zealand keeps changing with immigration
• the overall benefits of Immigration to the New Zealand  economy   

Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner, Human Rights Commission  

Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Minister for Ethnic Communities

Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Massey University

Tony Alexander, Chief Economist, BNZ

FACILITATOR:  Peter Moses, NZAMI Director

3.00 pm                Afternoon Tea and Sponsor Tables

3.30 pm                ‘The Encouraging Mood of “Corruption” in New Zealand’ - Do we have any corruption in NZ?   What is corruption?  Evidence indicates that corruption has been around for thousands of years, but in recent years it has attracted increasing attention.   Does the attention reflect an increasing awareness or an increasing scope of the problem?  What needs to be done and how do we bring about the necessary changes?

Introduction by June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson, main speakers are:

Peter Devoy, Assistant General Manager, Compliance and Border Operations, MBIE

Marina Matthews, Partner at Chen Palmer, CEO of Superdiversity Centre for Law, Policy and Business

Mark Mitchell, National MP for Rodney and Chair of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee

Suzanne Snively, ONZM, Chair Transparency International NZ Inc

4.45 pm                Closing by MC – Phil O’Reilly, Director, Iron Duke Partners

5.00 pm                Networking Drinks

MP4 of Morning session of the 2016 NZAMI Annual Conference

Seminar Date: 12th August 2016

MP4 recording of MORNING SESSION will give you 3 1/2 hours towards your CPD

8.00 am                Registration

8.30 am                Opening byMC – Phil O’Reilly, Director, Iron Duke Partners

8.40 am                Welcome by the 2015/2016 NZAMI Chairperson - June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

8.50 am                Keynote Address – The Honourable Michael Woodhouse, Minister of Immigration

9.20 am                Overview of everything immigration – where will immigration be in 18 months – Nigel Bickle, Deputy Chief Executive -  Immigration, MBIE

10.00 am              Morning Tea and Sponsor Tables

10.30 am              Entrepreneur visas and succession planning for New Zealand – Cameron Bagrie, Chief Economist, ANZ Bank.

This segment will provide an understanding as to why Entrepreneurs are essential to New Zealand’s economic growth and the role these business entrepreneurs can fill with the opportunities that exist from business succession planning - from an Economist’s point of view.

11.20 am              Going Places – Increasing the benefits of migration for New Zealand – Hayden Glass, Principal, Sapere Research Group

Hayden Glass, the co-author of a book about migration called “Going Places”, focuses on the need for smarter immigration policies to get the greatest benefit for New Zealand.  He highlights the impacts of New Zealand’s large migration flows over many years, looks at the Global Impact Visa and other innovative ideas, and questions if we are attracting people who can help with economic transformation for New Zealand or if we are just filling gaps.

12.00 pm              Lunch and Sponsor Tables

1.00 pm                Billy Graham – A world class international speaker, Billy Graham is New Zealand’s best loved motivator and fitness adviser.  Bold, humorous and brimming over with energy and enthusiasm, Billy is passionate about inspiring people to increase their potential.  He is a former New Zealand and Australasian light welter-weight boxing champion and has spent a lifetime in sports and physical fitness.  He has achieved international success through goal setting and determination and has turned common sense into an art form.

1.40 pm                ‘How Much is Too Much! - Balancing Immigration’

• how much more immigration is sustainable
• is it good if New Zealand keeps changing with immigration
• the overall benefits of Immigration to the New Zealand  economy   

Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner, Human Rights Commission  

Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Minister for Ethnic Communities

Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Massey University

Tony Alexander, Chief Economist, BNZ

FACILITATOR:  Peter Moses, NZAMI Director

3.00 pm                Afternoon Tea and Sponsor Tables

3.30 pm                ‘The Encouraging Mood of “Corruption” in New Zealand’ - Do we have any corruption in NZ?   What is corruption?  Evidence indicates that corruption has been around for thousands of years, but in recent years it has attracted increasing attention.   Does the attention reflect an increasing awareness or an increasing scope of the problem?  What needs to be done and how do we bring about the necessary changes?

Introduction by June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson, main speakers are:

Peter Devoy, Assistant General Manager, Compliance and Border Operations, MBIE

Marina Matthews, Partner at Chen Palmer, CEO of Superdiversity Centre for Law, Policy and Business

Mark Mitchell, National MP for Rodney and Chair of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee

Suzanne Snively, ONZM, Chair Transparency International NZ Inc

4.45 pm                Closing by MC – Phil O’Reilly, Director, Iron Duke Partners

5.00 pm                Networking Drinks

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 22nd July 2016

Seminar Date: 22nd July 2016

1.25 pm            OPENING – June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

1.30 pm            The Vexed Business of Entrepreneur Visas - Wiebe Herder, LIA, Woburn International and former BMB Manager

• Updates from an Industry Perspective
• Practical Tips & Thoughts on work and residence class visas 

2.30 pm            A Birdseye View - from the Ombudsman's Office - Judge Peter Boshier

This session will cover:

• The Official Information Act (OIA) and its constitutional role in our New Zealand democracy
• What's working well and what's not working well in the way the OIA is applied by agencies & the work being done by the Ombudsman's Office
• Immigration jurisprudence and developments

3.30 pm            Afternoon Tea and Networking

4.00 pm            Complaining @ Immigration Processes - Richard Small, Lawyer, Pacific Legal

• An update of developments with the INZ Complaints Resolution & Ombudsman Processes with recent examples
• When and when not to complain
• How to get the best out of the Process
• Other options

5.00 pm            Members Only Forum  

5.30 pm            Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

Webinar Moving to New Zealand - Pack Your Pension (29 June 2016)

Seminar Date: 29th June 2016

Webcast (webinar recording) worth 1 hour towards CPD

A very interesting and informative webinar scheduled for Wednesday the 29^th of June at 8 am NZ time – this timing will help those based in the UK attend live and ask questions during the webinar. 

This webinar will offer an introduction to the ins a outs and pros & cons of transferring a UK pension to New Zealand – and how you could help your clients to be better off financially.

This Webinar will also include some information about the potential repercussions of Brexit.

The Presenter will be Tony Chamberlain, Director of GBPensions and an Authorised Financial Adviser.

All Questions welcome!

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 17th June 2016

Seminar Date: 17th June 2016

1.25 pm            OPENING – June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

1.30 pm            ALL ABOUT ALERTS/WARNINGS - Jade Reid, Relationship Manager, INZ

Many clients end up with alerts/warnings on their files which can significantly impact future travel or visa applications to New Zealand.  In this session, we will look at the sort of issues that lead to alerts or warnings being placed; who places those on file; how these alerts/warnings are then treated in terms of follow-up action and how these can be removed from a person's record.

2.30 pm            DEALING WITH STRESS - Dr. Karen Jones, Registered Clinical Psychologist, Umbrella Group (www.umbrella.org.nz)

In our "high stakes", deadline driven work as immigration advisers/lawyers, we deal with a significant level of stress.  Stress of our clients; stresses of our own.  The Umbrella Group specialises in applying the scientific knowledge of "what works" to practical solutions to improve both wellbeing and performance.  They are all about helping build resilience and have already worked with a number of people within the legal profession.  In this session, Dr. Jones will be introducing us to the concept of "stress to strength".  

3.30 pm            Afternoon Tea and Networking

3.45 pm            IACDT COMPLAINTS: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE COAL FACE - Peter Moses, Barrister and Simon Laurent, Barrister

A good deal has been happening in the disciplinary space since we last touched this topic.  Who better to present than two lawyers who have been actively involved in representation at the Tribunal.

5.00 pm            Members Only Forum  

5.30 pm            Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

Webinar Essential Skills Work Visas and Skills Match Reports (11 May 2016)

Seminar Date: 11th May 2016

Webcast (webinar recording) worth 1 ½ hours towards CPD

NZAMI recently had an Auckland seminar topic on Essential Skills Work Visas and Skills Match Reports.  Now that the new instructions have gone live and because we received feedback that there were more questions than could be answered on the day, we are running a WEBINAR on May 11th at 2pm to further this topic.  

The Presenters will be:

Ayla McLaughlin, Operations Support INZ

Jason Austin, Business Analyst, Operational Policy INZ

Ward Tuite, MSD

All Questions welcome!

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 08th April 2016

Seminar Date: 8th April 2016

1.30 pm            OPENING – June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

Exact Timing to be confirmed

UPDATES ON RETAIL MANAGERS - Simon Moore, Licensed Immigration Adviser

Simon has been battling the issue of franchise managers for the past year and will report on the latest appeal decisions which may bring more balance to the assessments in these cases

UPDATES ON THE ONLINE VISA & EMEDICAL SYSTEM & Q&A - Kathy Tait, Operations Support, MBIE and Michael Sorensen, Senior Business Analyst for the Immigration Health Team, MBIE

We are pleased to advise that both Kathy Tait and Michael Sorensen will be patched in via Skype for this segment, which will include Q&A.

UPDATES ON ISSUES AFFECTING EMPLOYMENT OF FILIPINO MIGRANT WORKERS & ON WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE FARM MANAGEMENT SPACE- Graydon Sharratt, Licensed Immigration Adviser, June Ranson, Licensed Immigration Adviser and Mike Davies, Adecco Personnel  (Accredited Labour Hire and Philippines Recruitment agents)

Members Only Forum  

Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 26th February 2016

Seminar Date: 26th February 2016

1.30 pm            OPENING – June Ranson, NZAMI Chairperson

1.40 pm            Essential Skills Work Visas - current approaches - Katy Armstrong (LIA, Into NZ), Ayla McGloughlin (Operations Support, MBIE Wellington), Fleur Gray (Technical Adviser, INZ Henderson), and also joined by Leanne Smith from MSD. This segment will also include the use of a case study.

This session will provide practical insights into the application of Essential Skills Work visa instructions in light of recent changes and internal INZ guidelines on the Labour Market Test and Skills Match Report.

3.00 pm            NETWORKING AFTERNOON TEA

3.20 pm            Eligibility for State Health Care in New Zealand - Walter Stone (LIA, Eagle Migration)

Eligibility for state funded health care may affect a migrant's decision on the type/length of visas they may apply for and whether to take out medical insurance.  This session therefore covers the various rules around eligibility with use of example scenarios to illustrate their practical application & highlight any difficult areas.

4.00 pm            Migration Trends and New Zealand - Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley (Pro Vice-Chancellor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University)

This session will set the scene for where our current migration trends are taking New Zealand.

5.00 pm            Members Only Forum  

5.30 pm            Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

Webinar Many Paths to Deportation (16 December 2015)

Seminar Date: 16th December 2015

Webcast (webinar recording) worth 1 ½ hours towards CPD

In the last couple of years, INZ has been proactively using its many powers in the Immigration Act 2009 to deport people.  There were recent amendments to some of these powers in May 2015.  You need to know about how this works so that you can give the right advice.  Even if you don’t do “deportation cases”, you could get your clients in trouble if you don’t know about the risks.

In this hands-on summary of the deportation playing field we will cover:

• The many types of deportation liability and recent changes to them
• The various appeal rights
• The wide definition of false and misleading information and how actions of secondary applicants or even advisers can now be included
• How INZ starts the “pre-deportation” process and how you can make it work for your clients
• The pitfalls – how people can get into trouble and what you can do to keep them out of it.

You owe it to your migrant clients to know about this stuff.

Your very knowledgeable presenters will be Simon Laurent, Barrister, Laurent Law (Laurent Law is one of the few specialist immigration law practices in New Zealand) and Richard Small, Director and Senior Lawyer, Pacific Legal (Richard hasover 20 years of experience in immigration law).

Auckland NZAMI Seminar Friday, 27th November 2015

Seminar Date: 27th November 2015

MP4 (seminar recording) worth 4 hours towards CPD

1.15 pm        Opening, June Ranson, NZAMI Chair

1.20pm         "Preparing IPT appeal submissions – a guide to best practice" -Charlotte Summers and Richard Howard of Pathways to New Zealand Ltd share practical tips on how to identify grounds of appeal; draft compelling submissions and back these with the best possible evidence to support your Client's case.

2.20 pm        "Migrants, Housing & Mortgages" - John Bolton, ex ANZ Bank Manager, founder and "Chief Squirrel" of Squirrel Mortgages and frequent media "go to" commentator on all things to do with the NZ housing market & mortgage rates. John will share his up-to-the minute insights into the real impact of migrants on the NZ housing market & recent initiatives to curb overseas investment plus practical tips on how your clients can access mortgages before becoming residents.

2.55 pm        NETWORKING TEA

3.10 pm            "Hitting the Reset Button on International Students" - a Panel Discussion with Celia Coombes (INZ Education Relationship Manager), Peter Bull (General Manager International at Education New Zealand), Rebecca Nguyen, Best Immigration Services Ltd, Todd Cozens, Codigo Level  Ltd, Karishma Malek, Meridian Migration Ltd.  Plus we will be joined by remote "patching-in" by Dan Smidt, Assistant Area Manager of the Mumbai Branch and Dominic Forde, Vice Consul – Immigration / Assistant Area Manager, Shanghai Area Office of Immigration New Zealand for what is set to be a robust and possibly controversial discussion of the current policies and practices directed at full fee-paying international students.  The 4 main questions posed to the panel are:

• Is New Zealand pitching to international students fairly and transparently?
• Should there be tighter controls over agents and commissions?
• Are the current policy settings for international students the best they can be?
• What are the alternatives this government could be considering?

                     Also invited but TBC (by remote) are INZ Shanghai Branch.

5.40 pm        Members Only Forum  

6.00 pm        Networking Drinks  (all Welcome!)

Please note that the above times are approximate and the panel discussion may end up curtailing the industry Forum.

Webinar Visas Online (23 June 2015)

Seminar Date: 23rd June 2015

With the arrival of online, advisers face new challenges but stand to benefit from the new system which does away with the need for original or certified copies of documents.

There are already some good materials out from INZ that do assist with understanding this new system, but this WEBINAR aims to build on that by:

• helping you prepare for and know what to expect of these new applications 
• share the experiences of other advisers who have already made their first online applications
• alert you to some features which will help you maximise your use of the new system

Your presenter will be:  Katy Armstrong, LIA, in discussion with INZ and also with Walter Stone, who lodged what we believe to have been the first online adviser represented application!

Webinar eMedicals (03 February 2015)

Seminar Date: 3rd February 2015

Webinar on eMedicals

• Patrick Tuapola, INZ Health Project Manager

• Dr John Robson, INZ’s Principal Medical Advisor 

• Arron Baker, Assistant General Manager of Strategy and Assurance who will cover online forms and the general Vision 2015 Programme update

This Webinar is set for Tuesday, 3rd February from 4 pm until approximately 5.30 pm.

Webinar Residents subject to Deportation Liability (01 December 2014)

Seminar Date: 1st December 2014

This Webinar will be presented by Peter Moses, Barrister and Anthony Callaghan, Licensed Adviser (Pathways to New Zealand), both highly experienced immigration practitioners.

 Topics to be covered will include:

• The concept of and how a resident visa holder can become subject to deportation liability;
• An overview of how significant a field of work this is;
• The Resolutions process & the role of the Minister of Immigration;
• Appeal Options, oral hearings & timeframes;
• What this looks like in practice – identifying key advocacy options and issues to be covered in submission;
• Common situations; criminal convictions; fraud; failure to meet S.49 conditions including use of case studies.

This Webinar is suitable for all levels of experience and is a must for anyone.

Webinar Adoption and Custody Issues (20 October 2014)

Seminar Date: 20th October 2014

In this webinar, Anuradha Grover, Licensed Adviser (ex Immigration Officer) explores the instructions governing adoption and custody of minors, with use of case scenarios to illustrate key problem areas and how to resolve.  Areas covered include:

• the definition of adoption - legal versus customary
• Hague Convention issues
• Useful IPT cases
• Custody issues - how they arise and what needs to be proved
• Documentary evidence

This Webinar is aimed at all levels of experience.

Webinar 'Dummies Guide to Work Visas' (06 October 2014)

Seminar Date: 6th October 2014

This WEBINAR, presented by Ian Stewart of e-Migration NZ Central Division, will look at practical application/interpretation of the work visa instructions and, in particular, the Labour Market Test under the Essential Skills category.

Webinar on Health Matters (23 September 2014)

Seminar Date: 23rd September 2014

Having a solid understanding of how health issues can impact on immigration applications is a vital part of an immigration practitioner's day-to-day work.

 In this Webinar, we will cover:

1.  the health criteria for temporary entry versus residence

2. how the health criteria work in practice

3. the waiver process

4. useful residence appeals

5. practical tips for dealing with health issues

6. case studies

Webinar on SMC and Fixed Term Employment Contracts 25 August 2014

Seminar Date: 25th August 2014

This is a special short webinar covering the most recent Amendment Circular 2014-10 where an important change to SMC policy (S7.15) regarding fixed term employment agreements is about to come into force from 25 August.  

Nick Mason, Senior Solicitor at Pitt & Moore, employment and immigration specialist, shares with us insights into the significance of these changes and, in particular, when a fixed term contract will be able to meet the new instructions.

Webinar will be approximately 45 minutes long.

Webinar on The New Entrepreneur Category in Action (10 June 2014)

Seminar Date: 10th June 2014

This Webinar will be covering THE NEW ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY IN ACTION and will start at 7 pm (NZ local time) and finish at 8.30 pm (NZ local time).

Featuring:

Jonathan Maitland (Business Migration Manager (Acting), Immigration New Zealand)

Bradley So (Bradley manages the immigration team at Queen City Law)

We last presented on this topic back in March, when the new policies had just been announced. 

We are pleased to be able to now bring you this WEBINAR to update you on how the category is performing and any hot spots arising. 

This is another great NZAMI CPD event, and both the Webinar and Webcast (recording) will contribute 1 ½ hours towards your CPD.

Webinar on Professional Registration 28 May 2014

Seminar Date: 28th May 2014

Our Presenter will be Simona Woodberg, Licensed Immigration Adviser with over 18 years experience in the immigration industry, along with guest presenters from the Teachers Council, Colin Tarr and Jenny Thomas.  Together they will be covering:

• an overview of professional registration in New Zealand
• immigration requirements for registration:
• for work visas
• for SMC (effect on points)
• discrepancies between ANZSCO and the immigration manual
• representing clients in or advising on professional registration applications
• Teaching Registration as an example with guest presenters Colin Tarr (Principal Advisor Registration) and Jenny Thomas (Manager Registration) from the Teachers Council
• Q&A

Webinar on Decisions which Challenge Immigration Advisers 19 May 2014

Seminar Date: 19th May 2014

Decisions which Challenge Immigration Advisers:

As Immigration Practitioners we each face ethical and other dilemmas which require decisions to be made on a daily basis.

In this Webinar, Richard Howard, Licensed Immigration Adviser for the past 24 years and Director of Pathways to New Zealand Ltd. shares his views on:

• the IAA Ethics Toolkit for Licenced Immigration Advisers

• LIA Ethics Code v that for Lawyers

• Recognising & resolving actual ethical dilemmas

• Making challenging workplace decisions

• Case Scenarios

   

This is a must-attend WEBINAR for licensed immigration advisers of all levels.   It may also be of interest to lawyers who face similar dilemmas in their practice.

Webinar on Student Visas - (17 April 2014)

Seminar Date: 17th April 2014

Topics to be covered:

• General Overview - international versus domestic students
• Key players - education providers & agents - specialist agent status & new INZ industry partnership
• Key problem areas & Branch idiosyncrasies
• Study to residence pathways
• Case study

This Webinar is aimed at advisers of all levels of experience.  It will provide real insight from two experienced advisers from entirely different markets into the realities of dealing with different Branches and into what's not always in the INZ policy manual! 

Presenters:

Todd Cozens, Licensed Immigration Adviser, Codigo Level Ltd
Karishma Malek, Licensed Immigration Adviser, Meridian Migration Ltd (plus NZAMI Director)

Webinar on IACDT Decisions - (07 April 2014)

Seminar Date: 7th April 2014

IACDT decisions - an analysis, including:

• inconsistencies in decision-making
• the statutory role of the IACDT
• the statutory role of the IAA in referring complaints to the IACDT
• the successful District Court appeal by Christine Yap
• the role of professional indemnity insurance

This WEBINAR is aimed at all immigration professionals who need to have a solid understanding of developments in the disciplinary arena.

Webinar on Partnership A-Z - 26 March 2014

Seminar Date: 26th March 2014

Presenter:  Jasmine Bath, Licensed Immigration Adviser, Immigration Guru Ltd

Topic:   Partnership A-Z

• basic rules around partnership - temporary versus residence
• dealing with cases where the couple are not living together
• bona fides issues, with updates on New Delhi cases
• residence deferral provisions
• practical tips on presenting cases, including evidence submitted & avoiding pitfalls
• Case study 

Learning outcomes:

• solid understanding of the rules around partnership
• ability to apply the rules in practice

Webinar on the New Entrepreneur Category 10 March 2014

Seminar Date: 10th March 2014

WEBINAR starting at 8 pm and ending at 9.30 pm local NZ time

This WEBINAR is an early opportunity to hear from top business visa practitioners on the implications of the newly established Entrepreneur Category that replaces the Long Term Business Category and opens on 24 March 2014.

Presenters:

Marcus Beveridge (Queen City Law (QCL) is widely considered to be one of NZ’s foremost immigration firms. It has been an award winning law firm for a number of years. Marcus Beveridge is the Principal of Queen City Law. He has developed expertise in business-based immigration and has acted on literally 1000s of successful business based immigration applications. Marcus has also published many articles for New Zealand's leading business magazines on business-based immigration and is a regular commentator on immigration based issues on national radio and TV)

Bradley So (Bradley manages the immigration team at Queen City Law. He is at the forefront of Queen City Law’s immigration practice. He specialises in business migration and has acted for a number of very high net worth individuals and successful business migrants)

Wiebe Herder (Licensed Immigration Adviser and Director at Woburn International, and prior to joining Woburn, six years with Immigration New Zealand including Immigration Manager and Acting Branch Manager at the Business Branch)

As well as analysing the new policies and any potential grey areas, the presenters will provide case studies to illustrate what may/may not work under these new policies.

We are holding this WEBINAR at 8pm local NZ time so interested parties from most parts of the globe are able to access this WEBINAR live and ask questions of the presenters.

A WEBCAST, ie recording of the Webinar, will also be available for those who cannot attend live.

Section 61 Webinar on 12 November 2013

Seminar Date: 12th November 2013

In this Webinar you will learn about:

• the history and background to S.61
• INZ policy/guidelines - Ombudsman's observations - recent changes i.e. A23 & IAC 13-08
• changes to INZ process - the new S.61 Team
• constructing a good argument - use of case scenario(s)

Australian Perspectives Including Implications of the New Immigration Global Management Systems (IGMS) and the Regulation of the Migration advice Industry Webinar on 30 October 2013

Seminar Date: 30th October 2013

This webinar will cover a summary of the differences between NZ and Australia’s migration program and processes with particular focus on e-lodgement of applications and online services (which Australia has had for many years), the regulation of migration agents/lawyers in Australia to NZ advisers/lawyers.

This is a great way to get some new ideas on how best to run your practice/files in light of upcoming changes and areas of concern relating to the regulation of the migration industry.

Employment Law Webinar on 08 October 2013

Seminar Date: 8th October 2013

• the imperative of having a written employment agreement
• individual versus collective agreements
• contracts for services versus contracts of service and the impact on visa applications
• basic mandatory clauses (how to identify if a contract has these and whether these are legal)
• probationary/trial periods
• offering employment subject to grant of an appropriate visa
• when fixed term versus permanent employment is appropriate
• the requirement of skilled migrant employment instructions
• writing job descriptions
• conflicts of interest in representing employers and employees 
• employer rights in terminating employment if a visa comes to an end
• Q & A

English Language Requirements A-Z (WEBINAR)

Seminar Date: 24th September 2013

FOCUS: 

• The immigration policy provisions
• Registration English language requirements
• A brief overview of IELTS
• Advising Clients on alternatives to IELTS
• Advising Clients who do not have/cannot achieve the IELTs scores
• Appeal decisions

There will be at least one case study provided.

LEARNING OUTCOMES - After completing this activity, an adviser should be able to:

• Understand  and explain the English language policy requirements for immigration and registration purposes for both primary and secondary applicants
• Have a basic knowledge and be able to respond to queries regarding the IELTS test
• Be able to advise Clients on alternatives to IELTs tests
• Have an understanding of and apply relevant appeal decisions

Webinar DEPORTATION discussion by leading Immigration Lawyer, Richard McLeod.

Seminar Date: 19th July 2013

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: UPCOMING WEBINAR

Following our recent launch of WEBINARS, we are delighted to announce that the next CPD offering which was due to be a face-to-face seminar in Auckland on 19th July will now be a WEBINAR.  This, to enable Members from outside Auckland to attend or access the materials on this most important topic.  

DEPORTATION - practical tips for dealing with deportation including advocating to the IPT, by leading Immigration Lawyer, Richard McLeod.  

During this Webinar, you will learn about:

• Triggers for deportation liability
• Key categories of appeal (humanitarian/appeals by residents or former residents)
• Identifying grounds of appeal
• Drafting the appeal
• Exploring temporary visa applications whilst any appeal is running
• Statistics on outcomes at the Immigration & Protection Tribunal

 About Richard:

WEBINAR DETAILS:

Live:  2.30-4pm, local NZ time Friday 19 July 2013

If you are unable to attend live, you can access a recorded WEBCAST.

The normal cost for WEBINARS/WEBCASTS will be NZD55 to Members and NZD85 to non-Members.  

However, we are offering a special introductory rate for this Webinar/Webcast of just NZD30 for Members and NZD55 for Non-Members

All you need to register for either the live Webinar or the Webcast is:

Click on NZAMI website www.nzami.org.nz (log-in, click on Webinar Registration in the left menu and follow instructions)

Registration AND payment must be made no later than Thursday 18 July 2013 – 12 noon.    If payment not made, you won’t have access to the WEBINAR.

All you need to attend is:

• your computer/smartphone/ipad – (see http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect/tech-specs.html for specifications)
• a USB headset with microphone if you wish to speak and ask questions

Details on how to log in will be sent to you when your register and we ask you to please enter the WEBINAR 15 minutes before the advertised time to ensure your access and equipment are working.

If you wish to trial your equipment the day prior, we will also hold an open test session from 12pm-1pm on Thursday 18th July.

BENEFITS OF WEBINARS

• CPD delivered to you wherever you are
• no travel costs
• keeping up to date
• being able to ask questions during live webinars
• access to recorded webcasts if unable to attend live
• affordability

Places will be limited to be sure to register quickly!