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Plan to help migrants settle in Auckland

By Lawrence Johnston

AN ACTION plan to help migrant and refugee newcomers to Auckland to settle into their new environment, has been launched.
A joint strategy by local and central government, the plan will enable new migrants to fully contribute to, and participate in the region, Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said at the launch.
The government realised the challenges faced by newcomers arriving in a new country, especially a big region like Auckland. That was why settlement, along with skills and security, was one of the three key government objectives for the future of immigration.
"Successful settlement is a vital part of the immigration process and a contribution to the economic transformation of New Zealand. As countries compete harder for global talent, we need to ensure that the thousands of new migrants who come every year, feel part of our country, and can contribute to our communities and our economy.
"The Auckland strategy supports and advances the migrant work already underway nationally as part of the New Zealand Settlement Strategy, as well as the Labour-led government's broader work to transform Auckland into a world-class city.
"The strategy sets out a vision for the region's future - with ten goals to help support that vision," Mr Cunliffe said.
The action plan's 48 initiatives that would build on those goals to ensure that challenges were met practically. That included developing a pre-employment programme for unemployed and unskilled refugees, and developing an interpreter service model as a regional pilot.
"What is pleasing about this work is that it has been developed from the community up. By talking to communities, migrants and refugees we know what their needs are and where to focus.
"The results of the strategy and action plan will be well-settled migrants and refugees, enriched Auckland communities and the sustainable development of the region and New Zealand," Mr Cunliffe said.
Auckland is the main point of entry to New Zealand and where many migrants settle. Obtaining appropriate employment is a key way for them to contribute to the region's economic growth. Also, many of these new Aucklanders bring new ways of thinking, new knowledge and links to global markets. Having well-settled migrants helps ensure that these benefits are realised, also enriches Auckland communities and benefits New Zealand as a whole.
Nationally the strategy's aims are for migrants and refugees to be able to:

Obtain jobs suitable for their qualifications and skills.
Be confident using English in a New Zealand setting, or have access to appropriate language support to bridge the gap.
Be able to access appropriate information and responsive services that are available to the wider community, for example housing, education, and services for children.
Form supportive social networks and establish a sustainable community identity.
Feel safe expressing their ethnic identity and be accepted by, and be part of, the wider host community, and
Participate in civic, community and social activities.