Settling in New Zealand’s Small Towns: Experiences of Minority Ethnic Immigrants

Ashraful Alam (), Etienne Nel, Douglas Hill and Hannah Bulloch
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Ashraful Alam: University of Otago
Etienne Nel: University of Otago
Douglas Hill: University of Otago
Hannah Bulloch: University of Otago

Journal of International Migration and Integration, 2023, vol. 24, issue 6, No 5, 1079-1101

Abstract: Abstract Small town New Zealand has, in recent years, experienced an increasing number1 and diversity of immigrants, with visible yet under-researched impacts for less populated regions that historically have been dominated by Pākehā (New Zealanders of European descent) and Māori populations. Using qualitative interviews with three ethnic sub-groups in the Clutha District and Southland Region—the Filipino, Samoan, and Malay communities—we investigate their experiences of settling in small towns. While there is considerable variation in the experiences and aspirations of these ethnic minorities, for each community we demonstrate how local and regional contextual factors shape life aspirations, support infrastructures and settlement trajectories. Particularly drawing upon informal networks and social capital immigrants mediate the considerable challenges they face. Our study also demonstrates the limitations of current policy support and initiatives. Indeed, while local authorities clearly have a significant role in creating the conditions for enabling immigrant settlement in small centres in Southland-Clutha, now the role of government services and community-based support also needs to be considered.

Keywords: New Zealand; Small town; Migration; Ethnic minority; Settlement experience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s12134-023-01044-6

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