Moving from Tuvalu
Watch and listen to the experiences of people from Tuvalu who have come to work and live in New Zealand.
Move from Tuvalu to New Zealand — New Zealand is different
Successful migrants talk about what it is like to move to New Zealand, and about the challenges and rewards of their new lives in New Zealand.
Title page. On screen text reads: Thinking of moving to New Zealand?
The background is indigenous themed design patterns.
Cut to man A.
Man A: “Moving to New Zealand for the first time can be quite difficult, as the lifestyle is a lot different to back home in the islands. The living conditions her can be a shock to those moving here for the first time. Things like rent can be an issue as back in the islands you do not pay rent for your home. Here in New Zealand, you need money for everything.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “There are things that are different here. If you don't work, you have no income. You must know how to drive.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “In Tuvalu, if you don't have a job, it isn't too much of a problem as you can live off the family plantation and you own your own home/land. Here in New Zealand, if you do not have a job, you will struggle to make ends meet, affecting your family responsibilities in the process. For me, life here is very different.
“In Tuvalu, you can have more than 1 family living together under 1 roof. Here in New Zealand, it is very different. The living conditions are very strict and most homes can only have at least 5 people living in it.”
Cut to man D.
Man D: “For those of you who want to come to New Zealand, know that nothing here is free. You have to work hard and budget your finances wisely. Looking after your health is also crucial.”
Cut to man A.
Man A: “You need to make sure you budget your finances to cover travel, rent and also put aside money for your immigration fees. If you don't have a driver's licence, you won't be able to drive yourself anywhere. Life here is hard financially, so you need to be able to prepare yourself mentally to be able to adjust to the New Zealand way of living.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “The most important thing is to know how to manage your finances to cover any immigration fees and also prepare your paperwork for employment, especially your forms submitted to immigration. It is also good to learn how to communicate with people who are not from Tuvalu.”
Cut to closing slide: On-screen text reads:
New Zealand Immigration and the fern logo.
Move from Tuvalu to New Zealand — Cold and windy
The weather in New Zealand is cooler than in the Pacific Islands.
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 standing inside a horticultural shade house, Behind him are rows of leafy green plants growing in large plant pots.
Man A: “The weather in New Zealand is different compared to the weather in Tuvalu. Here, there is winter, summer, spring and autumn."
Cut to man B.
Man B: “Wow! it's really cold. The trick is to moisturise your body and keep warm."
Cut to man C.
Man C: “The weather here is very dissimilar from ours."
Cut to man A.
Man A: “The weather here, when winter is coming, you must protect your body from the cold. Try to wear thick clothes or dress warmly to keep your body from the freezing weather of New Zealand. Buy warm clothes, socks and shoes to keep your body from freezing conditions. But more importantly, ensure preparation is done to buy warm clothes and shoes."
Cut to man B.
Man B: “Furnish yourself to have sufficient money to get warm clothes in Fiji, socks, it worth to have them. If you come in the summer, no need to worry only during winter. You must be ready for the winter season."
Cut to man C.
Man 3: “Save an adequate amount, with enough to buy essentials to care for your body.”
Cut to closing slide: On-screen text reads:
New Zealand Immigration and the fern logo.
Move from Tuvalu to New Zealand — Learn English
Tuvalu migrants talk about how learning to speak English helps with communicating at work.
Title page. On screen text reads: Thinking of moving to New Zealand?
The background is indigenous themed design patterns.
Cut to man A and woman A. They are standing at the checkout counter in a grocery story. The store worker is scanning the price tag of each item across the checkout scanner.
Man A: “English is the main language used everywhere in New Zealand. For me, I'm fine because I attend school and learned the language, so it helps me a lot with the English language. But for those who are struggling with the English language, it will not be easy for them to communicate with their employer. English is very important."
Cut to man B.
Man B: “Would be nice to know how to speak English. it will help you to know the language so you can communicate easily with non-Tuvalu people.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “I know the English language is useful, because that's the only language we are connected to in the world. Most of us don't have qualifications, but if you know the language, this will help you a lot. For those of us still striving to come here, it's a must to learn English in Tuvalu. When you come here, there are also a few courses you can enrol in and I know it will help enhance your knowledge of the English language.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “I'd like to remind you that the English language is important and useful. My encouragement is not to be shy but strive to speak. Try and learn English there in Tuvalu. For me, my English has improved. If I need anything or I disagree with something, I am able to communicate with people in a way that we can all understand each other.”
Cut to closing slide: On-screen text reads:
New Zealand Immigration and the fern logo.
Move from Tuvalu to New Zealand — Managing expenses
Tuvalu migrants talk about managing their money in New Zealand.
Title page. On screen text reads: Thinking of moving to New Zealand?
The background is indigenous themed design patterns.
Cut to man A and woman A. They are standing at the checkout counter in a grocery story. The store worker is scanning the price tag of each item across the checkout scanner.
Man A: “It is important that you prioritise the things that will benefit your family.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “It's very important to put aside some money into your savings for times of need.”
Cut to man A.
Man A: “More importantly, the expense that goes out from my pay is our rent, bills, buying groceries and my son's school fees.”
“Always be mindful that you have enough food for the week. Remember also to factor into your budget payment for the power, water and rent for the house you live in.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “It is important to be cautious of your money and don't misuse it. If you misuse your money, it will eventually affect you and your family financially. One thing I have learned is to spend your money wisely. Know your priorities and responsibilities in order for your family to live well, especially for your children in school.”
Cut to man B.
Man B: “My advice for our Tuvaluans, if you plan to come to New Zealand, it is good to know how to budget your money and save money.”
Cut to closing slide: On-screen text reads:
New Zealand Immigration and the fern logo.
Move from Tuvalu to New Zealand — Finding support
Tuvalu migrant talk about where to find support for anything you need help with.
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 standing inside a horticultural shade house, Behind him are rows of leafy green plants growing in large plant pots.
Man A: “When experiencing impact on problems we often rely on our family to assist us within a short time, or if possible go see our community for assistance, additionally to our church communities for support."
Cut to man B.
Man B: “If a situation arises for you here, there are places you can attend to get help. The place I went to is a place called WINZ.”
Cut to man C.
Man C: “I link with my relatives, church office, social worker here and the WINZ."
Cut to man A.
Man A: “We receive aid from our relatives and the religious communities in New Zealand as well as the WINZ. It's a government financial resource that gives support to people in times of hardships.”
Cut to closing slide: On-screen text reads:
New Zealand Immigration and the fern logo.