KEY POINTS:
Migrants have differing views on what it means to become a "Kiwi", according to a study released today.
The study of integration into New Zealand by Victoria University psychology honours graduate Sally Robertson involved in depth interviews with 10 Wellington-based migrants who had been here for more than five years.
"Participants used a range of labels to describe themselves, such as a hyphenated identity like Chinese-New Zealander or a national label such as Kiwi - but their choice of label didn't necessarily relate to how they integrated into New Zealand society," Ms Robertson said.
"If someone called themselves a Kiwi it didn't mean they had lost their ethnic identity - often it was still important to them to keep that.
"In turn, someone who used an ethnic label may still have adopted some New Zealand behaviours or ideas as well."
Participants had some suggestions for new migrants such as mixing with other New Zealanders, getting involved in the community, allowing time to adjust, and becoming competent in English.
They also advised that joining ethnic social groups in New Zealand and sharing values with family members were ways to maintain their culture in a new country.
Pancha Narayanan, president of the New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Councils which assisted in the study, said identity was recognised by ethnic community groups as a topic needing further research.
- NZPA
