Lets go New Zealand and be FT

The land of the Maoris has set its sights on Singapore and the hunt is on for talent. The bait, better working hours and cheaper housing and cars.

That is what Immigration New Zealand (INZ), which has begun a pilot scheme to lure Singaporeans, is offering. The New Zealand government's move is another reminder that the hunt for talent worldwide is intense and Singapore is not immune. The website, which can be found at www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/singapore, extols the benefits of living and working in New Zealand.

Singaporeans interested in going to New Zealand are invited to register their interest and they will receive an e-mail telling them how to apply for relevant visas. The website, which went live on 15 Jan, is now hotly discussed in online forums. It tells Singaporeans that New Zealand is a country which offers "brilliant work and study experiences plus a relaxed lifestyle".

Calling New Zealand a country that prides itself on maintaining a health work-life balance, the website claims that jobs there are nine-to-five and offers four weeks of annual leave. Those aged 30 and below can opt for a work exchange program that allows them to travel and work in a temporary job in New Zealand for six months. The main reason for this is that Singaporeans can speak more than one language and can reach out to many Asians, especially China I guess.

The website also says that while New Zealand and Singapore have a comparable exchange rate, the former offers a lower cost of living. One New Zealand dollar is 99 Singapore cents. Compared to prices in Singapore, you'll probably find that your money will go a very long way in the New Zealand housing market. The website claims that average housing prices in New Zealand are under NZ$350,000 ($348,495) and could go up to NZ$500,000 in bigger cities. It said that Singaporeans can easily buy landed property there.

Unlike in Singapore, where there is such a high population density, you'll be able to find yourself affordable housing with a great location to match. With room for expansion, many people enjoy a garden or backyard, even if they live just outside the Central Business District.

Hassle-free car ownership is also one of the carrots the New Zealand government is dangling at Singaporeans. Here, Singaporeans have to bid to own a car and pay thousands of dollars for a Certificate of Entitlement. Will it work?

The census in 2006 showed there were 4,857 Singaporean residents in New Zealand, up from 3,912 in 2001. While the statistics show an increase, migration agents are however, unsure if more Singaporeans will bite. Last year, only 114 Singaporeans became permanent residents in New Zealand, 92 of them through the skilled and business stream.

It's spacious, cooling & beautiful. So what are we waiting for? Its time to convert this country into another Singapore.