Adrian Orr: NZ employers should bring Islander workforce on board

There is a paradox for Pacific workers - likely to be hardest-hit by the economic downturn but an increasingly important component of New Zealand's future workforce.

My grandfather arrived in Aotearoa in the 1930s from the small Pacific Island of Atiu in the Cook Islands. He came in the hope of improving his lot. As did the next generation. And the next. Otherwise, why leave the palms and sand?

People of Pacific Island origin are widespread in New Zealand yet we are not always identifiable as time goes by. However, we have brought an enormous amount of skills, community spirit, and achievement to New Zealand - our chosen home.

Unfortunately it is usually too easy to identify us as a group in the picture painted by various poor socio-economic statistics.

I am sure it would be easiest for many to turn their backs and assume - not my problem bro. But all New Zealanders do have an interest.

As Dr Colin Tukuitonga, chief executive officer of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, said recently: "Considering and mitigating the impact of the recession on Pacific people is smart thinking, both now and for New Zealand's longer-term benefit."

Aside from social cohesion, he points out the most compelling argument: self-interest, based on demographics. The crude version is that our young brown people will become an increasingly important support network for other, ageing New Zealanders. They'll support them through their future taxes.

The Pacific population is young, with 38 per cent (100,344 people) under 15 in 2006. The comparable figure for the population overall is 22 per cent. The demographic projections are that in 2026 one in 10 New Zealanders will be of Pacific origin.

An immediate challenge is to ensure the Pacific community remain connected to employment. Often it is the low-skilled labour force that experiences "LIFO" - last in first out. The unemployment burden will fall hardest on our Pacific peoples, those with least financial resources and skills to fall back on in tough times. This extends to the communities in the home islands who rely on remittances.

Losing touch with the workforce is one sure way of never finding your way back in. This is statistically proven over periods of high unemployment. Both the will and capacity to work wane, as does access to job offers. But formal employment is just one means of maintaining drive and connection. There are other immediate opportunities.

Employers should be thinking hard about employing, training and developing the skills of Pacific peoples. The Pacific labour force can be mobilised quickly - the communities are tight - and eager for training and opportunity.

If workers are being trained, let them bring their families to any extramural activities. It comes at zero or little additional cost.

Employers should connect with the relevant groups within Pacific communities, and communicate exactly what skills are needed and where. Get themselves set for the inevitable upswing in demand.

Pacific people are proud, like all New Zealanders, and I am sure they would feel better going to the local church, community hall, or established business network - of which there are plenty - to hear about opportunities. It beats the dole queue.

Employers and community groups should think hard about the voluntary workforce in tougher times. I am sure there are plenty of opportunities.

These are some of the short-term challenges and opportunities. What about the longer term? Education, education, education - yawn - are the three main means of raising employment prospects. This doesn't mean everyone has to be at university.

Rather, core skills including physical and mental ones are necessary to command a wage. This is borne out by statistics on the economic performance of Pacific peoples which suggest the longer people have been here, and exposed to formal and informal education opportunities, the better they are doing economically.

This creates a great opportunity to polish the "Pacific Brand" in New Zealand and to position ourselves as the "can do" labour force, most sought after. Pacific people are mobile, willing, of high integrity, and are prepared to confront challenges.

Let's not rely on time alone however, because the issue is here and now.

* Adrian Orr is the New Zealand Superannuation Fund chief executive.