A new beginning! Or is it?

A recent NZ Herald article “China displaces UK in Family migration to NZ” by Lincoln Tan sparked some thinking on my part, and many subsequent questions arose. This is the fourth and final blog in a small series on the topic that will cover my thoughts and concerns relating to such a projection.

I have heard this story many times: immigrants see their life in New Zealand as a fresh start, a new beginning.

However, stories about under employment or unemployment for people who have migrated to New Zealand are common. Many come to New Zealand to find their university qualifications will not be recognized here. The need to support themselves and their families means they are forced to apply for ‘lesser’ jobs that aren’t as well paid.

Please don’t take me the wrong way, there’s nothing wrong with ‘blue collar’ or working class jobs. It’s just that going from being a doctor, for example, to a taxi driver can be very disheartening, especially when you thought your qualification and work experience would be recognized in New Zealand.

Suddenly, the ‘new beginning’ starts to take on a very different meaning, which can be very distressing and leads to financial hardship and mental health issues.

Unfortunately, many couples facing financial stress end up resenting their partner’s decision to come to New Zealand. This can have a negative impact on the whole family.

Divorce is common because of this, as is domestic violence and depression.

So what do you need to do if you are considering migrating to New Zealand?

Often migrants don’t actively seek all the information that is necessary.

You should think about whether or not your qualifications will be recognised. Talk to the relevant authorities here to ensure you will be able to carry on your career. If not, what is your ‘Plan B’?

Think about the kind of community you would like to live in, is that possible? Decipher what you are pursuing exactly, and what are you willing to sacrifice in order to attain that.

These are crucial actions and decisions that will enable you to make the transition process smoother, and avoid the possible negative long term consequences.

Online newspapers a great research resource

One way to ensure you are not making any incorrect assumptions is by reading online newspapers to identify common issues talked about by people who have undergone what you are aiming to do. See if there are any of their strategies you can adopt to ensure you avoid these disappointments and hardships. This does not necessarily mean you will have to abandon your dreams, but it will better prepare you for what to expect, and what must be done, when you arrive.

We don’t want history repeating itself. We must find effective ways to make sure those people who are newly arrived can have a better start. It is better for everyone this way.

If New Zealand is looking down the barrel of a large influx of immigrants over the next 15 years, we must all take on the lessons already learnt or more sad stories will continue and only increase in number.



Ivan Yeo, Mental Health Promoter, Like Minds