Aussies lure workers west with promise of big bucks

Wellington workers are being lured to Western Australia with the promise of big bucks, warm weather and "beautiful women".

Recruiters at the Go West Now expo are travelling around New Zealand with a message for Kiwis - those with the right skills can name their price in Western Australia.

Hundreds turned up to the Wellington Convention Centre on Tuesday to meet potential employers, who are desperate for staff because of the state's resource-based economic boom.

Expo organiser Pia Duxbury said recruiters were aware of New Zealand's labour shortage and were not being aggressive in their approach.

"We understand there is some sensitivity in this matter - we don't like to think we are poaching workers.

"Most of the people we are talking with are already keen to move to Australia and we are just letting them know what's on offer in the west."

Acting Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey was unconcerned at the number of teachers, police and nurses signing up. "It is not surprising that other countries or even regions want to recruit here, just as New Zealand companies recruit workers from overseas."

K-mart Tyre & Auto Service state manager Ken Clarke spoke to more than 20 interested mechanics in Wellington and is keen to find more.

"We already employ a few Kiwi boys - they are really great workers and they love it in WA. We are able to pay $23 to $26 an hour with extra perks - and they reckon the beautiful West Aussie women are all right too."

Having spoken to education department representatives, Newtown teacher Andrea Pember said she felt a little guilty at planning a move to Perth when teachers were desperately needed in New Zealand.

"For me, money is the main thing.

"I expect to be earning about 20 per cent more than I do here so it is pretty hard to say no."

KCGM mining was promoting lifestyle packages for Kiwi engineers and geologists, which include airfares, removal costs and an annual accommodation allowance on top of their salary.

Recruiter Rachel Leaver said mining companies were having to be increasingly generous and creative in how they attracted skilled workers

"The mining sector's expanding so fast that we can't get graduates through university fast enough.

"It's getting to the point where those with the right skills can name their price in Western Australia."

New Zealanders already make up 10 per cent of KCGM's workforce.

"We know from experience Kiwis fit in really well in WA ... there's plenty of rugby and a strong Kiwi community.

"The response has been wonderful so far - although most I've spoken to haven't been able to place Perth on a map."

A dozen companies and government departments are represented at the expo, each paying about $20,000 to meet workers in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.

- © Fairfax NZ News