Immigration New Zealand is changing work visa rules so that New Zealanders get the best possible chance of filling the jobs needed for the Christchurch rebuild.
Employers wanting to hire foreign workers in Canterbury will have to register the job vacancy with a Government 'skills hub' - which will look for a New Zealander first.
The hub will also consider beneficiaries and trainees for the positions. If the job can't be filled, it can go to a migrant worker.
Leighs Construction managing director Anthony Leighs said he supports giving New Zealanders priority for jobs, but he's had to recruit internationally for carpenters.
Mr Leighs said he's employed 70 new staff in the last six to eight months - 60 percent of whom are New Zealanders.
