Perceptions of immigration policy and immigration new zealand
2009 Community Survey (Pilot)
Immigration Survey Monitoring Programme
The 2009 Community Survey (Pilot) was undertaken from mid-September to early October 2009, with respondents randomly selected from the Electoral Roll. A total of 1,292 respondents completed the survey over the telephone (58 percent) or online (42 percent), with a response rate of 22 percent.
Key findings
The attitudes of the host (receiving) community towards migrants and immigration play a critical role in the successful settlement of migrants in New Zealand. In addition, understanding these perceptions and attitudes helps us to develop effective policy and increase the likelihood of positive settlement outcomes.
Respondents to the 2009 Community Survey (Pilot) felt several groups including the Government and community were responsible for helping migrants settle in New Zealand, as were migrants themselves (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Perception of responsibility on helping to settle in New Zealand
Note: n=1,292. However, one or two respondents may not have responded to every item.
Source: Immigration Survey Monitoring Programme, 2009 Migrants Survey (Pilot).
Respondents generally supported the number of permanent residents allowed in the country under current immigration policy (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Perception of permanent residence numbers
Source: Immigration Survey Monitoring Programme, 2009 Migrants Survey (Pilot).
Generally, respondents were satisfied with the job Immigration New Zealand was doing managing immigration in the best interests of New Zealand’s society, economy, and labour market (Figure 3). However, respondents were divided over the level of confidence they had in Immigration New Zealand to make the right decisions about who to let into New Zealand.
Figure 3: Ratings of satisfaction with Immigration New Zealand
Source: Immigration Survey Monitoring Programme, 2009 Migrants Survey (Pilot).
In general, if respondents were dissatisfied with one aspect of immigration policy or with Immigration New Zealand, they were more likely to be dissatisfied with other aspects. In particular, those who were not happy with the number of migrants coming into New Zealand were also more likely to be dissatisfied with, and less likely to express confidence in, Immigration New Zealand. They were also more likely to disagree that it was the Government, community, employers, or schools and universities' responsibility to help migrants settle in New Zealand.
The Immigration Survey Monitoring Programme encompasses new migrants to New Zealand (temporary and permanent), employers, and the New Zealand public. Its purpose is to build an evidence base of information about migrants’ settlement and labour market outcomes, employers’ experiences with migrants, and community attitudes towards immigration and migrant integration.
For other reports in the Immigration Survey Monitoring Programme series, visit www.immigration.govt.nz/research or email research@mbie.govt.nz.
