<P> Statements by the government in the mid 2000s emphasised that New Zealand must compete for its share of skilled and talented migrants, and David Cunliffe, the former immigration minister, has argued that New Zealand was "in a global race for talent and we must win our share". With this in mind, a bill (over 400 pages long) was prepared which was sent to parliament in April 2007 . It follows a review of the immigration act . The bill aims to make the process more efficient, and achieves this by giving more power to immigration officers . Rights of appeal were to be streamlined into a single appeal tribunal . Furthermore, any involvement of the Human Rights Commission in matters of immigration to New Zealand would be removed (Part 11, Clause 350). </P> <P> The new Immigration Act, which passed into law in 2009 replacing the 1987 Act, is aimed to enhance border security and improve the efficiency of the immigration services . Key aspects of the new Act include the ability to use biometrics, a new refugee and protection system, a single independent appeals tribunal and a universal visa system . </P> <P> As of March 2012, a draft paper leaked to the New Zealand Labour Party shows Immigration New Zealand is planning to create a two - tier system which will favour wealthy immigrants over poor ones who speak little or no English . This means that applications from parents sponsored by their higher income children, or those who bring a guaranteed income or funds, would be processed faster than other applications . </P> <P> During the New Zealand general election, 2017 the New Zealand First party launched its campaign in Palmerston North on 25 June 2017 . Announced policies including cutting net immigration to 10,000 per year . NZ First leader Winston Peters said that unemployed New Zealanders will be trained to take jobs as the number is reduced, and the number of older immigrants will be limited, with more bonded to the regions . </P>

When did new zealand enter into the european community