Media Releases
Skilled migrants enjoying Kiwi lifestyle
16 FEBRUARY
New Zealanders love to know how the rest of the world sees us - and a survey of migrants new to the country gives us an idea of what they think.
93 per cent of new migrants surveyed enjoyed New Zealand life - most saying the country's natural beauty and friendly people were the best part of their new kiwi experience.
"They were happy to suggest the kiwi way of life to others - 94 per cent saying they would recommend a move to New Zealand. They were also pleased with their New Zealand jobs with 79 per cent saying they were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied,'" Deputy Secretary Workforce Mary Anne Thompson said.
The Department of Labour survey asked skilled migrants from around the world about their experiences in their first months as New Zealand residents.
"In a time of skill shortage and low unemployment it is important not only to attract skilled migrants to New Zealand, but to make sure their settlement experiences are positive.
"By helping migrants have positive experiences we increase the chances of them contributing and committing to New Zealand's society and economy in the long term," Ms Thompson.
85 per cent of the migrants surveyed said the most positive aspect of living in New Zealand was the climate or the clean green environment. 79 per cent said it was the friendly people or a relaxed lifestyle.
Migrants most disliked the distance from their home country. 40 per cent of the migrants interviewed said this was the number one problem with living here.
"Anyone who has lived in a new country knows how hard it can be. Even if the culture appears to be close to your own - there will always be things that surprise you.
"And often it's the small things - like our kiwi phrases that mystify so many when they first come to the country.
"It is important that migrants anticipate differences in life in New Zealand. We will use information in this survey to help future migrants prepare for this adjustment," Ms Thompson said.
The results of this survey will also be used to help marketing off-shore, inform policy decisions and improve the settlement services for future migrants.
"The more we know about the people that come here - the more we can
help them make New Zealand a successful home," Ms Thompson said.
ENDS
