Give Us A Chance: The Employment Experiences of New Settlers From East Asia

Abstract

Our research on new settlers from Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea has revealed a general unhappiness with the lack of government planning and preparation to meet the needs of migrants who had been actively encouraged to come to New Zealand to help establish links with Asia. Over half had no paid employment in New Zealand. Among those who were currently employed, less than half had been able to obtain jobs related to their previous work experience and skills. Those who wished to do business were dissatisfied with the lack of information about business investment opportunities and the tax system. When it proved impossible to find appropriate employment or set up business in New Zealand in an effort to remain self-reliant, some immigrants chose to leave the family in New Zealand and return to work in their country of origin.