Unpleasant surprise for returning Kiwi

JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/The Press

DISILLUSIONED: David Whitta has resorted to driving a taxi after being unable to find work as a civil engineer.

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When Christchurch engineer David Whitta came home, he thought it would be easy to find work.

With more than 35 years experience, the civil engineer had been involved with major projects in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

However, the 61-year-old has not been able to find engineering work in either Auckland or Christchurch, and now works as a taxi driver.

Whitta's second stint abroad, spanning 19 years, ended in June last year. He had worked as a director for the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation, and as a senior engineer for consultancy firm Scott Wilson.

He returned to New Zealand to be near his two sons and three siblings.

Whitta said he bought a taxi after 10 months without work, and moved to Christchurch in May this year.

He said he had had one phone interview since returning home.

Whitta believed potential employers saw him as too old.

"It seems to me they don't want guys with experience," he said.

Working as a cabbie was proving difficult, Whitta said.

"I enjoy meeting a lot of people, but I sit around quite a lot and don't make much money.

"I don't want to retire; I'm too young. I need to work to be able to live."

Technical Recruitment Solutions director Garth Raines said it was difficult for engineers to find jobs.

"The Government is holding the purse strings and a large proportion of projects are happening in the North Island," he said.

"If he's in Christchurch, depending on his background, as you get further up the ladder, roles diminish anyway."

The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand director of policy Tim Davin was surprised Whitta could not find work.

New Zealand was set for significant government investment in rail, roads and broadband and electricity transmission.

"In the medium term, the prospects are looking very good for engineers in New Zealand," Davin said.

- © Fairfax NZ News