Many migrants bring families with them and there are a lot of social and personal issues that have to be faced. Communities, regional associations, and industry bodies can help too. These groups have important roles to play in ensuring that migrant workers are settled and integrate smoothly and positively into the workforce. A good experience for a migrant can have ongoing positive results for us all.
Neither Immigration New Zealand (INZ) nor employers can or should try to provide everything that a new migrant might need.
There are many agencies and organisations that can help employers and help new migrants and their families settle into New Zealand life. Often the little problems can be quickly solved by knowing who to go to for advice and information.
At a local level there are:
- City or District Council for everyday information and guidance on local matters
- Schools and pre-schools for educational needs
- Plunket for mother and baby support
- Ethnic community groups to link new migrants with others from their home country
- Citizen’s Advice Bureau for information on a wide range of subjects
- The local branch of the Department of Labour
- English language schools
- Settlement Support New Zealand provides a clear point of contact for settlement information in 19 locations throughout New Zealand. Visit this page to find the Settlement Support New Zealand details for your region, or look at existing Settlement programmes that we fund
- Industry bodies - there are many of these, providing research, marketing, training and education, development and regulation for specific industries.
At a national level there are:
- Ministry of Education
- NZQA
- Housing New Zealand
- Inland Revenue Department
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Accident Compensation Corporation.