How we support migrants

The New Zealand Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy (NZMSIS) was first approved by the New Zealand Government in 2014. In 2023 the vision statement, outcome areas and coverage of the strategy were updated. The Strategy now covers migrants who have the ability to settle permanently in New Zealand, those on a residence visa or a clear pathway to residence.

Migrant Settlement and Integration strategy

We coordinate cross-government work under the New Zealand Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy. The vision of this strategy is that migrants and their families settle successfully, achieve their goals, and thrive in Aotearoa New Zealand. This includes feeling safe and well, having a sense of belonging and being able to participate in and contribute to all aspects of life (social, economic, cultural, and civic).

The vision is underpinned by 5 settlement outcomes:

  1. Participation and Inclusion: recent migrants and their families are welcomed and have a strong sense of belonging and acceptance in their communities and in Aotearoa New Zealand. They feel confident and safe to participate in different aspects of their lives.
  2. Health and Wellbeing: recent migrants and their families achieve their health and wellbeing goals and thrive in their lives.
  3. Housing: recent migrants and their families live in homes and in communities that meet their long-term needs and goals.
  4. Education, Training and English Language: recent migrants and their families achieve their education, training and English language goals.
  5. Employment and Self-Sufficiency: recent migrants and their families achieve their employment and self-sufficiency goals, building on their skills and experiences.

How we achieve good settlement outcomes

Progress is currently measured annually against 16 success indicators and published on our New Zealand Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy Dashboard.

The New Zealand Migrant and Settlement Strategy was refreshed in 2023 and the outcomes for migrants changed in response to what we heard from consultations in the community.

The changes agreed to part of the Refresh Project will result in further work to fully develop and embed the new strategy. This work will include developing new ways to measure success and ensuring we have the data we need to measure progress against the new outcomes.

How we measure success

New Zealand Settlement and Migrant Integration Strategy PDF 260KB

Services and information

Together we provide settlement information, services, tools and resources tailored to the needs of migrants and their employers.

Information and services are delivered by government agencies, or by third-party providers.