February 20 2012
Collaborative Settlement Support Services for Newcomers to Auckland
Newcomers to the Auckland Region are keen to gain information to help them settle, particularly about establishing
connections with their local communities, finding employment, and learning English.
From July to December 2011, more than 2,000 newcomers contacted Auckland’s four Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ)
initiatives for assistance, resulting in 3,739 referrals to other service providers. Over 505 activities and workshops
were provided to newcomers across the region.
Iris Pabayo, who has been in New Zealand for just over a month now, says making connection with a local church was very
important for her family.
“We consider ourselves religious and being in a new country, especially around New Year’s time can get very lonely. We
were referred to a church by someone we knew and it was great luck for us! We met so many Filipinos at the church, the
pastor even helped us with schooling information for my girl,” adds Iris.
“The highlight of our settlement journey to New Zealand is Facebook! Through Facebook we got referred by a family
member, to someone they knew in Auckland, who could help us with accommodation upon our arrival.”
Iris also found Settlement Support Auckland on Facebook.
“When I went into SSNZ Auckland profile, I saw other Filipinos in the friends list and made instant connection with
them,” she said.
“Through the church connections, we met so many people as well. While my husband and I are looking for work, knowing
that there are people and organisations that we can go to, or talk to, helps a lot.”
Dr Mary Dawson, Chief Executive of Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS), says that community networks are vital in
the settlement process.
“Local networks, churches, community organisations and centres are all hugely important ways for newcomers to link up
with local residents and with other newcomers. Connecting socially with others is a sure way of finding useful support,
becoming better informed, and feeling more at home in a new city.”
The SSNZ initiatives are funded by Immigration New Zealand to assist newcomers to Auckland with settlement support
information, networking and referrals. Settlement Support NZ Coordinators have been providing information particularly
to newcomers from India, China, Philippines, Japan and Fiji. These include work permit holders, family members of
skilled migrants, visitor visa holders and international students.
The SSNZ Coordinators work very closely with service providers to provide good customer service and relevant information
to Auckland’s newcomers from over 130 countries. Nearly 300 service providers belong to the regional and local
Settlement Support networks which hold forums for newcomers and service providers twice a year.
Upcoming Network meetings are:
• SSNZ Auckland Central, 23th February, 9am to 1pm. Topic: Challenges and Assistance for Job Seeking Newcomers –
how can we make a difference?
• Zonta Club (West Auckland), Saturday 25th February, 11.30am to 3pm, at Western Springs Community Hall: A Special
Forum for Newcomer Women of Auckland
• Regional Settlement Network Meeting, 3rd of May, 9am to 1pm. Topic: Contribution of Ethnic Media to settlement
and integration.
Contact your local Settlement Support New Zealand initiative:
Area:Contact:Organisation:Phone:Auckland CentralJoseph NguiAuckland Regional Migrant Services09 625 2440Manukau Vimbai MugadzaAuckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS)09 262 5983North ShoreCheng GohRaeburn House 09 486 8635WaitakereAyumi ShibataAuckland Council 09 837 4273
ENDS