Media Release
12 June 2009
For immediate release

Call to support the Migrant Workforce in Rural New Zealand

Rural Women New Zealand is concerned that not enough is being done to help migrant workers integrate into rural communities.

Social issues spokesperson, Kerry Maw says, "The migrant workforce is making a valuable contribution to the farming industry in this country but there are issues that communities need to be aware of so they can better help these people settle into their new lifestyle."

Migrants can struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness when trying to establish themselves in an environment that can be so different from their homeland she says.

"These immigrants arrive in rural areas and have everyday needs to be met such as medical, dental, educational and access to service providers.

"They have to find the local supermarket and where to purchase clothing and furniture," Mrs Maw says.

They also require details like where to register a vehicle or how to call emergency services, information that a local person could quickly provide.

If a farm worker's partner cannot drive and there is no public transport system that can be socially isolating for that parent and children Mrs Maw says.

"It is important that new members in a community can participate in social and sporting groups to meet local people and to develop that feeling of belonging. Because of cultural and languages differences these migrants may find that difficult, so they need support. "

Mrs Maw says that migrants can enrich all communities so our rural areas should welcome them.

"As the focus of Rural Women New Zealand is to strengthen our rural communities we are encouraging our members to look for opportunities to help ease the transition for migrants. We hope other groups will do so too."

Although Immigration New Zealand was unable to provide precise data relating to how many migrant workers are currently employed on farms they told RWNZ that they have issued 1644 work visas and permits over the past year (1 July 08 - 30 June 09) to individuals to undertake employment on beef and dairy farms. The previous year the figure was 992.

ENDS

© Scoop Media