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Thread: New migrant settlement services ???

  1. #1
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    May 2012
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    Question New migrant settlement services ???

    Hi all,

    I read on the internet, that there are some new migrant settlement services in New Zealand.
    Could anyone tell me who are they, what kind of organization is it and how can I find further information about them (maybe their official website)?
    What kind of support do they offer actually?

    Thanks in advance

  2. #2
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    Here you go:

    http://www.ssnz.govt.nz/

    I have not had any involvement with them though, although they do send out a nice little booklet with information about New Zealand and a magazine when you get your visa information back.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by keylogger View Post
    What kind of support do they offer actually?
    I found the Newcomer's Network (http://www.newcomers.co.nz/regions.html) good when I first arrived and have made some good friends through them. The Newcomer's Network here in Blenheim host coffee mornings, pot luck dinners and various events to give people new to the area an opportunity to meet people.

  4. #4
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    Hi,

    The Office of Ethnic Affairs has a telephone service for interpreting 43 languages. Here's their link:
    http://www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz/oea...age-line-index


    In addition to the Immigration NZ Settlement Services http://www.ssnz.govt.nz/
    Regional governments also offer support. Here is the Wellington link:
    http://www.wellington.govt.nz/servic...ent/index.html
    I noticed they run a workshop for new migrants on finding work in NZ.

    And another Wellington page with information on moving to the city:
    http://live.wellingtonnz.com/page/moving-here.aspx

    I believe the regions all provide some services. Here is Palmerston North's website:
    http://www.settlementsupportpalmerst...multi-language

    There are community groups such as this one:
    http://www.chineseservice.org.nz/en/
    that are for Chinese migrants particularly.

    And friendship societies that offer support for new migrants:
    http://www.pcc.govt.nz/About-Porirua...ndship-Society

    Chinese Youth Trust, in Auckland:
    http://www.settlement.org.nz/new-zea...e-youth-trust/

    Also lots of helpful information on this page:
    http://www.settlement.org.nz/

    They run many workshops for new migrants. This one on the tax system:
    http://www.settlement.org.nz/settlem...money-matters/

    Hope that helps!

    Aidan

  5. #5
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    I attend a housing workshop run by these people http://www.arms-mrc.org.nz/ when I first arrived here nearly two years ago.

    The knowledge came in useful when the owner of the property I was renting refused to release my bond saying that I hadn't paid the water bill. Had to take it to the housing tribunal before I got all my money back.

  6. #6
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    Question

    Thanks a lot guys for the sharing ... Really appreciate it

    BTW, when you guys came to NZ for the first time, how did you solve the "No Kiwi experience, No job offer" and "No job offer, No Kiwi experience" issue?
    Of course, without any job how can one settle in NZ.
    If you read this article, this seems to be the biggest obstacle for new migrants.

    Furthermore, I found this article
    I don't know what to say
    Last edited by keylogger; 24th July 2012 at 04:21 AM.

  7. #7
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    It would be rash to say that nobody has any difficulties in finding work and settling. But it would be a mistake to say that there is a totally closed door for immigrants to get through. Forgive me, but you seem to be searching out everything that looks on the black side. Do bear in mind that newspapers don't sell from headlines that say, 'Nothing to report - everything is fine.' Bad luck and difficulties are much more dramatic to read about. You need to look at WHO is saying whatever is in a media story, and think about WHY they may be pushing the angle that they are.

    If you read this article, this seems to be the biggest obstacle for new migrants.
    This seems TO HAVE BEEN the biggest obstacle, back in 2008 when the article was written, which is all about the opinions of one man who is in the process of launching a service (a way of earning him a living as well as helping other people) based on drawing migrants to consult him. I know nothing against the man, but it would obviously have been less than helpful to his project at the time to have the newspaper article say, 'Yes, everything's fine, and lots of people manage on their own.'

    Furthermore, I found this article
    I don't know what to say
    Look at the detail! They are presuming to speak for THE WHOLE NZ WORK FORCE on the basis of replies from 200 people, and they don't say how they found or selected those 200. It's not worth bothering about.

    How about looking around this forum for threads saying 'I got a job'? It may reassure you to see that, although they've been through a big life upheaval, many people can indeed say this.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by keylogger View Post
    Thanks a lot guys for the sharing ... Really appreciate it

    BTW, when you guys came to NZ for the first time, how did you solve the "No Kiwi experience, No job offer" and "No job offer, No Kiwi experience" issue?
    Of course, without any job how can one settle in NZ.
    If you read this article, this seems to be the biggest obstacle for new migrants.

    Furthermore, I found this article
    I don't know what to say
    Did you notice how MANY respondents to the survey? It was 200!!!! Now I know that NZ doesn't have the population of many countries ( and that's part of the charm!) but 200 people's opinions isn't worth an awful lot in my book! As JandM pointed out...newspapers are the same all over the world I think...can make a story out of anything and always bad news! take it all with a pinch of salt!

  9. #9
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    I think it depends quite a lot on your profession and how "in demand" your skills are. I think there are several things that can help you get a job.

    1. Turn up here. Getting employment while you are still living abroad is a huge challenge, unless you are so specialized and in demand that they are recruiting abroad. Once you are here, you have a local address and mobile phone number, you can get some informal coffee type meetings and network a bit. A lot of people just won't give you the time of day until they see your boots on the ground.

    2. Get something from NZ on your CV. Do a short course at a uni. Work as a volunteer for a couple of months. Join a NZ organisation (sports club, professional association).

    3. Have the right to work here. Employers aren't keen to jump through the hoops of a work visa with you, if you have PR then you are much easier for them to hire.

    4. Be flexible. Taking a short term contract is often a good way to get started in the NZ job market. It's low risk for the employer.

    5. Be aware of the job market. Here in Wellington, the government is making heaps of people redundant. This means you have competition from many people with local job experience and networks. You may have more success if you are willing to locate yourself wherever the job is.

    6. Have enough resources to be patient. It can indeed take months to find a job. If you have just enough to support yourself for 1 month and turn up on the first of January, you are likely to be disappointed. Most employers aren't hiring from mid-December to 1 February, it's the summer season and people are not looking to have someone new starting.

    Good luck to you with your search!

  10. #10
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    Hi J&M, Rmn58, tigerlily,

    Thank you very much for those inputs.
    I do learn something from you guys.

    You are right ... newspaper is newspaper.
    Actually, I am collecting as much information as I can. But maybe I read too much
    Hope for the best and prepare for the worst

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