Diversity as a Productive Resource: Employment of Immigrants from Non-English-Speaking Backgrounds in New Zealand

Noel Watts, Andrew Trlin

The past decade has been marked by increasing diversity in the New Zealand population, principally as the result of a more open immigration policy that aims to build human capital by targeting skilled, qualified immigrants, whatever their countries of origin. To what extent is effective use being made of the abilities and understandings of new settlers to help meet New Zealand’s economic and social development objectives?

This paper draws on the results of two studies conducted as part of Massey University’s New Settlers Programme. These studies examine the employment and deployment of immigrants from countries where English is not the main language in New Zealand companies and government organisations, and identify workplace policies and practices that appear to maximise or minimise the economic and social contributions of immigrant employees.

The paper concludes with suggestions on a social policy framework that might better meet the needs of immigrants and increase their opportunities to achieve their productive potential.