Most skilled migrants are enjoying life in New Zealand says a newly published survey from the Department of Labour. 88 percent of skilled migrants were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with living in New Zealand, and 89 per cent said they would recommend the country to friends and family overseas.

“What is really pleasing is the report’s suggestion that the longer skilled migrants are living in New Zealand, the longer they plan to stay here,” said Immigration Minister David Cunliffe. “At the time of gaining residence, 60 percent of migrants planned to stay in New Zealand five years or longer. After a year here, that figure rose to 71 percent.

Migrants from 64 countries answered questions about their experiences in New Zealand.

Migrants from UK/Ireland were more likely than others to like the climate and natural beauty of New Zealand. Migrants from Europe/South Africa/North America were more likely to appreciate New Zealand’s safety from crime. Asian migrants liked New Zealand’s small population, the education system and opportunities.

Migrants Like:

  • The climate/natural beauty/clean green environment (97 percent)
  • Friendly people and a relaxed lifestyle (78 percent )
  • Recreation and leisure activities (61 percent)
  • New Zealand’s small population (56 percent)
  • The opportunity to achieve a desired lifestyle (55 percent)
  • Safety from crime (55 percent)

Migrants Dislike:

  • Geographical distance from their home countries (46 per cent)
  • The tax system and rates (44 per cent)
  • The cost of health services (43 per cent)

Other features of migrant life the survey asked about were:

Working In New Zealand

  • 94 percent of principal applicants said they were working for pay or profit.
  • 67 percent of spouses or dependants of the principal applicant were working.
  • 85 percent said they did not have difficulty finding work.
  • 78 percent of principal applicants were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ in their jobs, 14 percent were ‘neither satisfied nor dissatisfied’, 8 per cent were ‘dissatisfied’ or ‘very dissatisfied’.
  • The main reason for dissatisfaction with work was that the pay was too low.

Schooling

  • 85 percent were satisfied/very satisfied with their child’s school.

Housing

  • After a year in New Zealand, 44 percent of migrants owned their own home with a mortgage.
  • 80 percent were satisfied/very satisfied with the quality of housing in New Zealand.
  • People who were dissatisfied were most likely to say it was because of difficulty heating or keeping the house warm.