Key Findings from the Migrant Survey -
2009 Migrants Survey (Pilot)
Immigration Survey Monitoring Programme
Key findings
- Most respondents were satisfied with life in New Zealand (89percent), and most felt safe from crime (78percent). More than half (52percent) felt more welcome in New Zealand than they had expected to feel.
- Thirty-seven percent of respondents found the cost of living in New Zealand was higher than they had expected it to be, and 37percent felt their household income was not enough to support themselves and their family.
- Employment outcomes were positive across several
indicators, particularly for skilled principal
migrants[5] and Essential
Skills temporary workers.[6]
- Sixty-eight percent of principal migrants, 92percent of skilled principal migrants, and 96percent of essential skills workers were in paid employment.
- Eighty-two percent of skilled principal migrants said their current job matched their skills and qualifications. Generally, the higher the skill level of the job, the greater the match to respondents' skills and qualifications.
- Nearly two-thirds (65percent) of respondents working in a skilled job earned $40,000 or more. Forty-three percent of skilled principal migrants earned $60,000 or more. The median income from wages and salaries for all New Zealanders is around $39,300 per year.
- More than half of the respondents lived in Auckland (53percent). Most rented their accommodation (61percent), but 7percent owned their home without a mortgage.
- Most (87percent) respondents planned to stay long term in New Zealand, and many wanted to gain New Zealand citizenship (73percent of permanent residents).
- Just over one-third (35percent) of respondents planned to sponsor family, in particular their parents.
[5] A ‘principal migrant’ is the principal applicant in a visa or permit application.
[6] The Essential Skills Policy is one of the main temporary work categories. Applicants must have an offer of full-time work in New Zealand that meets specific criteria.
