A border class exception to bring in 600 tech workers to New Zealand was announced this week by David Clark, the minister for the digital economy and communications.

“The sector is now one of our top three exporters, and jobs in tech have been growing at twice the rate of the general economy,” Clark said. “It has continued to expand during the Covid-19 pandemic, placing pressure on the demand for talent.”

It’s hoped the border class exception will help relieve pressure on New Zealand tech firms.

“We’re carefully targeting areas of the sector where industry has highlighted a clear need for overseas talent including, software development, product managers, cyber security and interactive media,” he said.

More details on the border class exception will be available in the new year.

“We’ve seen other countries open up too early and have to reverse decisions,” Clark said. “So it’s a balancing act of supporting our economy and minimising the risks to our communities and health system.”