Moving from Samoa
Watch and listen to the experiences of people from Samoa who have come to work and live in New Zealand.
Samoan migrant stories — What working in New Zealand is really like
These successful Samoa Quota people know how important the job is.
Title page. On screen text reads: Thinking of moving to New Zealand?
The background is indigenous themed design patterns.
Cut to man A. He is wearing a work shirt and work safety cap. He is sitting at an office desk with computers.
Man A: “Here in New Zealand integrity is important. It is rare to have a second chance once you make a mistake.”
Cut to woman A.
Woman A: “You need to consider it well. You need to be prepared. You need to be completely ready. You need to give 100% in everything, your best attitude and behaviour.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “Try and work as reliably as you can, where you are now.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. But so many Samoans are not considering the opportunities through this joint partnership.”
Cut to man D.
Man D: “In layman's term, this is an unforgettable journey. It's exactly why I've chosen to reciprocate this company's generosity, and what they have done for my family and myself. If it wasn't for them, I would still be weeding taro plants.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “You'll realise you will have to raise your own family and become responsible too.”
Cut to closing slide: On-screen text reads:
Get the real story at website address newzealandnow.govt.nz/samoaquota
At the bottom of the screen are the logos for Immigration New Zealand and Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Government.
Samoan migrant stories — How different is New Zealand to Samoa?
New Zealand is a big place. The weather is different, work is harder, and what you see will be new. Listen to what those who are already in New Zealand have to say.
Title page. On screen text reads: Thinking of moving to New Zealand?
The background is indigenous themed design patterns.
Cut to man A. He is sitting in an office. Behind him on the left is a yellow high-vis work vest hanging on the wall hook. On his right is a computer screen.
Man A: “Looking over from an aerial view and seeing the lights, it created a sense of what to expect.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “For a new migrant, it can be hard because it's different.”
Cut to woman A.
Woman A: “It was nearly summer when we arrived, but for someone new it was still too cold. So, at that time it's the only reason why we want to go back home is because of the climate. It was especially cold for my children.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “I was quite shocked on my first day at work.”
Cut to man D.
Man D: “I felt scared and vulnerable on my first day at work. It was my first time in New Zealand and discovered through work, people are different.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “I even considered ditching work the next day.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “The lifestyle is so diverse, you begin to have a new perspective.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “We have a Samoan proverb, New Zealand is the land of milk and honey.”
Cut to man D.
Man D: “New Zealand society is not just a golden egg. Please be aware that you need to be prepared for what else is there too because there is a lot in New Zealand that will trip you up and potentially make the whole job really difficult for you.”
Cut to woman A.
Woman A: “Cultures are different.”
Cut to man A.
Man A: “I'm emotional when I consider what life is like in Samoa and how others have moved on from this opportunity.”
Cut to woman A. Woman A: “Show gratitude. Show this company how much you appreciate the job offer. Make your parents, partner and children proud. They are the future.”
Cut to closing slide: On-screen text reads:
Get the real story at website address newzealandnow.govt.nz/samoaquota
At the bottom of the screen are the logos for Immigration New Zealand and Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Government.
Samoan migrant stories — Why it’s important to have a job first
If you plan well, you will make a better start for you and your family in New Zealand. Use this opportunity wisely. The work you do to prepare will help you in the future.
Title page. On screen text reads: Thinking of moving to New Zealand?
The background is indigenous themed design patterns.
Cut to man A. He is sitting at an office desk with a compute and phone. He is wearing a short sleeved white shirt.
Man A: I worked as an engineer back in Samoa. Someone who know of this contacted me and asked whether I would consider working in the meat factory. I graciously agreed.
Cut to man B:
Man B: The most challenging thing in this process is obtaining a work offer.
Cut to man C.
Man C: It’s okay to explore your options, but use wisely.
Cut to man B:
Man B: There is a variety of work found in New Zealand.
Cut to man A.
Man A: Here you won’t eat if you don’t sweat and if you don’t work you won’t have a home.
Cut to woman A.
Woman A: I can’t leave Marton, and I’m still working here, because this company paved the way for many opportunities we have now.
Cut to man D.
Man D: With this company, you can’t afford a mistake. Second chances don’t come easy.
Cut to man B:
Man B: We applied twice. My wife’s application was successful in 2014, but we had no luck with a job offer. We applied the year after and got a job offer from this company, and now I’m a kiwi.
Cut to closing slide: On-screen text reads:
Get the real story at website address newzealandnow.govt.nz/samoaquota
At the bottom of the screen are the logos for Immigration New Zealand and Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Government.
Samoan migrant stories — Why planning before you leave Samoa is so important
Be prepared to work hard in New Zealand. Don't waste this opportunity. It is important to be responsible and committed to your job — it will help you settle well in New Zealand.
Title page. On screen text reads: Thinking of moving to New Zealand?
The background is indigenous themed design patterns.
Cut to woman A. She is sitting in an office with a computer desk and screen in the background. She is wearing a white work short and work safety cap.
Woman A: “My advice is to use the opportunity wisely. This is a rare opportunity. You need to consider it well. You need to be prepared. You need to be completely ready.”
Cut to man A.
Man A: “Start saving because once you are lucky, you are not relying on anyone to pay for costs, and when you leave for New Zealand, you owe nothing to anyone in Samoa.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “So, if you were to come into New Zealand, you'll have to look at how you need to change.”
Cut to man C.
Man 3: “Show generosity. You will find good fortune in this country, but your own carelessness can lead to nothing.”
Cut to woman A.
Woman A: “My husband and I didn't know how and where to find schools for our children, who were very young at the time.”
Cut to man D.
Man D: “Use the opportunity wisely, work hard and look after your family in Samoa.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “You've got the ability now to actually get ahead of it, and if you do get an opportunity, it will be easier for you. The work you could do now, being younger, to develop your English language, numeracy and literacy and be in a position where if you got a quota number you would be able to integrate into New Zealand far greater.”
Cut to man E.
Man E: “Get ready and start saving.”
Cut to man A.
Man A: “Committing to the quota is not easy, but it can motivate you to work hard for your family's success.”
Cut to closing slide: On-screen text reads:
Get the real story at website address newzealandnow.govt.nz/samoaquota
At the bottom of the screen are the logos for Immigration New Zealand and Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Government.
Samoan migrant stories — How managing your money is important for your families’ success
When you arrive in New Zealand you have to pay for many things — including a place to live. Make sure you know what you will need to start you life in New Zealand so you and your family can get the things you need when you arrive.
Cut to man A.
Man A: “It's a very odd country. When you consider how free it is in Samoa. It's a free life, everything is free.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “It's a matter of how you budget every week.”
Cut to man A.
Man A: “I was taken aback and discouraged by the idea that we had to pay rent.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “It's not all easy, not all easy by far.”
Cut to man D.
Man D: “I used to send money home every pay day, but due to other financial commitments, I now send money occasionally.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “There is people that will give you money tomorrow and in two months you will be in debt.”
Cut to woman A.
Woman A: “The big thing you will be surprised by is the cost of living in New Zealand. You know, they think they are coming here, good pay, you know good life, but it costs."
Cut to man E.
Man E: “It's OK to explore better options but be wise with your decisions."
Cut to woman B.
Woman B: “It's such an unforgettable opportunity because we managed to buy our own home. From day 1, ANZCO introduced us to KiwiSaver and other savings, so we could plan for the future.”
Cut to closing slide: On-screen text reads:
Get the real story at website address newzealandnow.govt.nz/samoaquota
At the bottom of the screen are the logos for Immigration New Zealand and Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Government.