Immigration – Big Earner For New Zealand

Immigration has boosted New Zealand coffers by an estimated $3.3 billion in the year to 30 June 2006, according to recently released research. The research revealed that initially Auckland received the largest proportion of immigrants at 45%, but that over time many of these migrants will leave Auckland for other areas in New Zealand.

The Minister of Immigration David Cunliff, has said that he believes migrants play an “...important role in the economic transformation and diversity” of New Zealand; “...our migrants are making a strong contribution to our economy...our immigration policies are attracting exactly the migrants we want”. The Minister went on to say that earlier research has demonstrated that migrants were less likely to be on a welfare benefit than their kiwi colleagues.

Immigration therefore is essential to the prosperity of New Zealand if New Zealand is to remain globally competitive. In order to secure New Zealand’s prosperity the “New Zealand Settlement Strategy”(“the New Zealand Strategy”) was developed to provide a consistent framework for the settlement of migrants.

The aim of the Strategy is to achieve a consistent and responsive approach to settlement issues.
It provides a framework for the coordinated development of services. It aims to improve the way central and local government and communities cooperate and will ensure information is shared between all stakeholders.

Every region throughout New Zealand has a role to play in supporting good settlement. Auckland for example is now home to approximately 150 different ethnic communities. More than 50% of migrants each year settle in the Auckland region, and because of this it was essential for Auckland to create its own “Auckland Regional Settlement Strategy” (“the Auckland Strategy”) consistent with the New Zealand Strategy to protect its sustainable development.

The Auckland Strategy contains a vision for the future, ten goals to support that vision and specific proposals for making improvements to the way settlement is done currently. Specifically, the Auckland Strategy takes a regional interagency approach to facilitate local, central, and non-governmental agencies working in collaboration across the region. It aims to build on existing settlement initiatives within the region and to enhance these through a collaborative approach. It acknowledges that long term immigration is an essential component of Auckland’s contribution to the ongoing economic progression of the New Zealand economy.

For more information, please contact:

Ian McCombe
Partner
t: +64 9 979 2159
e: Ian McCombe

Last updated: 16 November 2007