treatment of immigrants

I know this is a touchy subject and I don't want to start a long drawn out political debate on the issues of immigrants but..

How does the average kiwi in the street treat migrants?

are all migrants treated the same?

I have read more than one article in the new zealand herald about how the natives are getting restless in various places about the number of migrants entering the country..

From what I can gather, the only people who have anything against immigrants is the Maori. Thats not specifically migrants though, thats all white people.

The white kiwis couldnt really say much about migrants, as each and every one of them is either a migrant or descended from one!

Hell, even the Maori's are techincally migrants! Still, its getting like that in the UK too, only the other way round. All the natives are airing their voices about asylum seekers etc.. just the way of the world :icon_sad:

That's what I guessed..

It's a shame really.. I, naively, thought the white kiwi's and the maori lived closely together in complete harmony..

Do you know if these relations vary according to region?

Hi, Craig,

I have to give you a slightly different perspective.

I'm not yet settled in NZ, but I live with a Kiwi and have visited NZ with, among other things, a specific intent to learn how migrants (especially American ones!) are perceived in NZ.

My general impressions from my husband and from those I encountered in NZ are that if you are a decent, friendly, not-too-loud, not-too-rich (tone it down, at least!) person from anywhere, you will be well accepted in NZ. There appears to be a bit of general discontent over skyrocketing real property prices, and the responsibility for this is somewhat attributed to migrants -- but the government seems to get the brunt of the blame (rightly or wrongly).

Kiwis have a disdain for those who suffer from "Tall Poppy" Syndrome; that is, people who stand out for their possessions. I can tell you that, though it pained me enormously, I sold my very flashy sports car rather than take it to NZ -- even though I will probably never be able to replace it in this lifetime! This was specifically to avoid provoking discussion among the locals about us being "rich" Americans and being perceived as folks who think we are "better" than the locals. We don't, and it has nothing to do with the cars we drive -- but I did hear talk like that (not about us but others) when I was in NZ and don't wish to be the subject of it when we move there!

I belong to a variety of forums, and I have heard grumbling among the natives about migrants moving in and "taking over" the available prime real property. Among older NZers, I have frequently heard references to "whingeing Poms" and "fat, loud Yanks." My personal experience, however, is that being polite, friendly, open, a good listener, respectful of local customs and practices will take you a very long way. NZers in general seem willing to take you at face value and give you the benefit of the doubt until you fulfill their stereotypical view of you.

Hope this helps!

All the best, Rae

I agree with you totally Raeven. As long as you are polite, friendly and respectful of NZ, most (all that I've met anyway!) are quite acceptable to the fact that you are a migrant.

We were at a party on Friday and were actually talking about migrants/migrating, and the general concensus was that NZ NEEDS skilled migrants otherwise the country will go to pot. There is a 3% unemployment rate here at the moment and if NZ doesn't attract skilled migrants, then the skilled workers here now will be able to ask any wage they want as they are in such short demand. If that happens, the government will have to up interest rates to curb spending etc... It was quite a long conversation over a few beers so I kinda lost track a bit near the end, but as I said, the general feeling is that migrants (especially British migrants from the 'Motherland'!) are good news.

Obviously there will be exceptions depending on age, location etc, but I hope this puts your mind at rest.

Jod
:icon_cool:

Skilled migrants???
Heck from wandering around the city yesterday we need ANYONE, just about every 3nd shop is looking for staff....

someone earlier said it well, we are all migrants in the end. Kiwis are one of the great travelling nations, and so most people have visited other countries and as a result be familier with the ideosyscracies (sp?) and pecularities of other nations. So we are laid back about it.

However posessions are a big thing, one of the anti asian atitudes is about rich kids in expensive cars. Personally I can understand resentment at "foreigners" coming in and buying the best places in traditional kiwi places like Nelson. House prices have risen over 400% in the last dfew years there, and even locals are unable to buy their own homes. There is a strong feeling of unfairness over the whole issue.

Otherwise migrants are just regular people, with funny accents.....

netchicken

I think you get this everywhere who would like it if you come into another country and then you see somone who is 20 years younger than you having all the things you want!

I am ok when i move out there i will work and if you work with the locals you should become accepted.........

cUnDaLl

[nattydread]

Hi all,

Thanks for all your responses. It's pretty much as I had expected and, if I'm honest, hoped.
It sounds like the kiwi's go for a middle of the road happy go lucky type of migrant and it's a middle of the road happy go lucky type of life I'm looking to migrate to.

Thanks to everyone for their comments.

craig.

[Jodie]

You should be just fine then!

See you over here.....

Jodie
:icon_biggrin:

[Ruahine]

Statement withdrawn with apologies, I was having a real bad week.