Speeches 

We will spend the next two days discussing and exchanging views and experiences in an area of unique global importance, one of which we began with our work in Dublin at our Annual Forum two years ago.

International Migration is, of course, not a new phenomenon - what is new, however, is the change in level, extent and volume of migratory flows around the world in recent years.  It is also not a simple issue and we must recognise this.  Migration poses numerous problems, but it also can be a force for good, in certain circumstances.

We will adopt a Plan of Action at the end of the Forum.  This is something that we do at the end of each Forum.

I do want to take this opportunity to urge all of you to carry away this document, a document which we have written, and give serious thought as to what practical steps you can take, individually, in your respective parliaments in follow-up.  Too often we, as parliamentarians, do not engage in the sort of follow-up action that we should.  Yes, we are busy people, with many, often competing demands on our time.  But if we choose to involve ourselves in an issue, to travel and to debate, to volunteer, then this commitment must be a serious one.

Indeed, it is the final step, that of ‘Action', that is the most vital one, for we are PGA - Parliamentarians for Action.

New Zealanders are also on the move: 16% of people born in New Zealand live in another OECD country (approximately 500,000 people).

As labour mobility increases, countries are increasingly competing for migrants.  We are living in an increasingly globalised and integrated world; labour markets exist across national boundaries.

Our research shows that migrants want good job and business opportunities, top salaries, a work-life balance, recreational activities, good health and education services, civil and political freedom, and of course, low crime rates.  These are all factors that put New Zealand in a very good position, in the competition for the best global talent.

Ageing populations and low fertility in developed countries, and rapid population growth and economic difficulties in developing countries, will influence existing migratory patterns in coming years, creating new opportunities and risks.  New Zealand's demographic changes are mirroring those of the developed world, although lagging behind by around 10 to 20 years.  For example, the current average birth rate in New Zealand is 1.8 births per woman.  An ageing population and slow population growth means the size of the New Zealand workforce will peak and start to decline within the next 10 to 15 years.

Both migrants and refugees settle in New Zealand.  The distinction between the two groups is important because the circumstances of their arrival are quite different.

• - Migrants make their own decision to come, whether it be for work, business or family reasons.
• - Refugees do not choose to come to New Zealand. They have a genuine fear of persecution, and cannot avail themselves of the protection of their own country.

Our challenge is to make sure that we are encouraging people with skills, innovation, family linkages and, in particular, motivation to contribute to and settle in New Zealand.  At the same time we must also be aware of our role as a good international citizen and do our part to assist with the world's refugees or offer assistance in times of political unrest and economic instability.  The Government is focused on achieving better settlement outcomes for migrants.  Selecting the right people is an important aim of a well balanced immigration policy.  However, enabling migrants to settle well (integrate and contribute) is also fundamental. 

The New Zealand Settlement Strategy adopts a whole of government approach to meet the settlement needs of migrants, refugees and their families. The government recognises that settlement is not something that can be ‘done' for someone, and is not something that migrants can ‘do' on their own.

To support positive settlement, the revised New Zealand Settlement Strategy was launched in July 2007.  The vision for the New Zealand Settlement Strategy is: "New Zealand's prosperity is underpinned by an inclusive society, in which the local and national integration of newcomers is supported by responsive services, a welcoming environment and a shared respect for diversity."

This strategy works to fulfil this vision by achieving good settlement outcomes for all newcomers to New Zealand, including a wide range of settlement initiatives across central and local government, non-government and community agencies.  These initiatives help new migrants with everything from finding a job, a place to live, and schools for their children, to getting a tax number and opening a bank account - anything that new migrants may need assistance with.  They also focus on helping migrants form supportive social networks and establish a sustainable community identity within the wider New Zealand way of life, and to contribute to this through civic, community and social activities.

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