KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's increasing turn towards Asia is confirmed in the latest Census figures on the country's rapidly changing ethnicity, languages and religions.
Europeans remained by far the largest ethnic group at 67.6 per cent of the population but Asians - the fastest growing major ethnic group - were the third largest.
This forum debate has now closed. Here is a selection of your views on the topic.
Amanda K
I have to laugh at all these doom-mongers - "New Zealand is lost to us now!" Oh really? Last time I looked, it was buzzing - lots of cheerful, hardworking people from all over the world, and obviously a bloody fantastic place to live and work. Instead of moaning about Chinese or Korean (or whatever) immigrants, the vast majority of whom are well-educated, friendly and intelligent when you get to know them, why not widen your circle of friends? We are a part of Asia - personally, I usually find a social event made up entirely of Whitey to be just plain boring.
Alan
I am not surprised so many people in here don't like the Asian in particular Chinese in this country. I am a Chinese moved to here 10 years ago. For those people who made the comment Chinese are not making effort to fit into this country, I am wondering how many Chinese do you know? This kind of comment really doesn't help those do making good effort to fit into this country. And by the way how much opportunity have you given to the newcomers to learn your culture when the best way to learn NZ culture is to work next to the local kiwi?
Winston
The way the term 'Asian' is used in NZ belies a laziness that in my opinion is racist.It fails the richness and diversity of the people. I've returned to Auckland after ten years and although the racism isn't as bad as it was then its still there. My Japanese wife and I experience this quite often. I look forward to the time when Aucklanders integrate to the point where we can have a mayor as respected and loved as 2006 World Mayor John So of Melbourne. http://www.john-so.com.au/
NZer in Japan
I live and work in Japan. I would hardly consider it Asia, in the New Zealand sense of reference, however the immigration policies here are probably the strictest in the world. Basically, foreigners are welcome to come, work, enjoy themselves and then leave the country. The Japanese simply don't have immigration. Why is this? Because the mass majority hold the view that increased immigration would change the fabric of this country, were they to change their policies, you would see all of Asia, trying to get in here, along with other people who don't share their base culture, ideals, language etc. If you are amongst the handful who are thinking about becoming a Japanese national, you can expect to pass a language test that you will probably fail first time round, you will also have to kiss your current passport goodbye, and you will have to Japanise your name. Background references are checked stringently, and you are almost sterilised before making the crossover to becoming Japanese. This is the extreme side of immigration, but it works up here. Shrinking population just doesn't seem to be convincing the public of the need to get in more people. I have read that Korea is much the same. I would hardly say that these two countries are as beautiful, or as great to live in as home is overall. Beautiful New Zealand on the other hand will let any man and his dog in, provided they bring in hard needed cash (Don't fool yourselves about our great economy, we are largely dependant on outside cash supplies)or anyone crying boo hoo I'm seeking asylum. Once in to the country, little is done to help settle the people we welcome in for their cash injections or take in out of pity. Basically they are abandoned to settle themselves, and to face the unexpected racism that is nicely left out of the immigration brochures our government and immigration consultancy firms from Delhi to Shanghai hand out with gusto. Forget that you are probably one of the brightest in your graduating class, here's a job for you at the Pak n Save. Why do Asian shops pop up? Because it is comforting for people who have no real chance to integrate themselves into our society, to have a little taste of home. Also, how many Asian immigrants are skilled enough to throw themselves into Sheep, Dairy or Llama farming in the middle of Waikikamukau. Here's my solution to it all. Put character, age, health and ability to settle ahead of the much needed cash injection based policies we have. Consider changing to a one passport only policy (Then you will see how much people really love this country), possibly compulsory military service, stricter language checks, history, social studies and etiquette checks, and of course security checks into place, over a longer probation period, before handing out citizenship certificates nilly willy. Leave race out of it. I couldn't care less for what colour the country becomes, I only care about what kind of society it produces, and in particular, how well it's citizens treat one another, and how much better we perform against the Aussies.
Joe
English-English-English!!!If your entire family cannot speak English in a veryclear and understandable manner...then you should not be allowed to come here. I get furious when picking up the phone and I struggle to understand the voice on the other side! Too much diversity causes fragmentation. Be careful of where it will lead your peaceful nation.
Grant
Matt's comment about people opting for "New Zealander" as their designation implying that others participating are not New Zealanders is unwarranted. I personally choose to describe myself as a New Zealander because I have lived here all my life, as did my parents, their parents, and their parents before them. My generation has become removed from our European roots. Further more, if we continue to try to differentiate on the basis of origin, we will continue to divide. A worsening feature of our culture is the growing individualism and self-interest (look at how people voted in the last election for an example). Layered over that is a segregation on the basis of ethnicity and we have widening gulfs in society. Instead of being Kiwis or New Zealanders first and individuals last (inverting the pyramid) we have this situation where the individual is paramount.
Zak
I am opposed to any further Asian immigration. It has already reached saturation point and the face and culture of New Zealand has changed to the point where I am uncomfortable. I am being constantly told I should "open my mind and appreciate other cultures" - I have done this, I have travelled throughout Asia, and I'm pleased I don't live there. In fact, I believe the converse is true - Asians should open their minds to our culture, after all this is the culture they have adopted and chosen to live in. I think it should be halted and the doors opened for immigrants from other regions of the world, like Europe and Scandinavia, to provide some balance.
Dan
I don't see how this census affects anything at all. It is like showing how many green and red apples are there in a huge basket. On a side note, this census is skewed in one way (just like the mindset of some 'opinionated' fellows here). Not all Chinese come from China. And not all Chinese speak mandarin (Chinese). There's the mainland Chinese (from China), Malaysian Chinese, Singaporean Chinese, Indonesian Chinese and many more. Each of them speaks different languages and has different cultures. and most of them speak fluent English. Take for example, all Malaysian Chinese are able to speak three different languages (English, Malay, and mandarin) as it is compulsory for them in schools. It is more than just the colour of skin. To associate all Chinese from China is as ignorant as associating all white as pakeha.
Lee
Having read the previous comments, I speak as an English immigrant who had to jump through many hoops, to gain residency. This is despite having my parents and sisters living here for the last twenty years, and being a returner who went to school in NZ. I have come to the conclusion that the NZIS or Nazis, as my wife refers to them have implemented a racially biased immigration policy in favour of China. This is as insidious as the old-style way of only recruiting white Europeans. But because it is 'politically-correct' to denigrate 'white-folk' no one appears to have kicked up a fuss. I believe that the favouritism towards China is trade-influenced. There appears to have been a political deal done whereby in return for a look the other way immigration policy, the people of NZ have been fed on a glut of cheap Chinese goods. It's home kept wages down, ruined our manufacturing infrastructure, over-valued the kiwi, and set NZ up for economic and cultural colonisation by mainland China. If this makes me appear racist, then so be it. I know I am not.
Jessica
I feel that many of the comments made here have been one sided and biased. People complain of the Asian domination as seen by Asian entrepreneurs, companies operating Asian language service options and Asian schools and supermarkets. However, they fail to see that all over Asia, there are English schools, English advertising, English movies and people employed to service the English speaking population. Western companies fight to enter Chinese and Indian markets to take advantage of the phenomenal growth, profits are then extracted back to the rich western countries. In comparison, Asians here operate small businesses in order to provide for their families. People take for granted the acceptance of the western culture by the rest of the world but are reluctant to accept the cultures that immigrants bring with them from their homeland. Instead of asking why immigrants don't assimilate to the NZ culture, ask ourselves why the country is accepting immigrants if we are not prepared to accept their culture? Furthermore, in order to meet immigration criteria, majority of immigration applicants to NZ are academically and financially accomplished individuals and as a result tend to be at least above the age of 25. How feasible is it to ask these grown adults to all of a sudden 'convert' to a different culture, to eat different foods and speak in a different language? Wake up New Zealand.
Sean Zhang
As an Asian I love New Zealand, but I think the media might publish more positive articles about Asians. Nobody cares about the ordinary Asian people like me who are working here, paying tax and making donations.But once some bad news happened, all the Asians were blamed. Is that unfair?
Scott MacLeod
News that the number of New Zealanders with no religion has soared from 30 per cent to 35 per cent should end the recent debate over whether or not New Zealand is a secular country.The fact that the number of Christians has dropped from 60 per cent to 55 per cent in just four years highlights the drop in the importance of that religion in New Zealand. We all need to recognise that the next generation of Kiwis will be much more diverse than in the past, and that we can't afford to entrench old ideals - or religions - into our culture.To do so would be to force a square Christian cross into a round secular whole.
SW
Its quite interesting to read some of the reactions of people who express their disdain at the fact that the immigrants bring their own culture with them. Firstly, who really in this country is not an immigrant? And secondly, didn't the Europeans who immigrated here, bring their culture or language with them? Does being a Kiwi mean to be European (as seen by the "New Zealander" campaign during census)... the other kiwis are identified as Maori, Asian or Indian! Cultural integration has to happen from every side and with respect to each others culture. If a section of Pakehas think their European heritage/ culture is the true culture of New Zealand. I would beg to differ, I think thats the cause of a lot of non-European immigrants to not be assimilated.
Andrew
I think it's great. We have some superficial issues with new immigrants from Asia and India etc, but no issues of any real concern, and their NZ-born children are fine - hey, maybe even better than your typical Kiwi on average. It's also good for the gene pool - help us to iron out some of those over-masculine German and Irish genes we see in our a-little-bit-too-butch Kiwi girls. However, I think we need to think twice before immigrating people who come from tribal cultures - they seem to take a long time (and I'm talking inter-generationally) to adjust to a civilization-based culture.
Jo
Asia is the largest, most ethinically and culturally diverse continent in the world. You just want another mini-Europe and, like so many white New Zealanders you're paranoid about being outnumbered by people who look different to you. A common New Zealand misconception is to see a white face on the street and automatically think they're New Zealanders, but if you see a yellow or black face they must be foreign. Will you ever accept the concept that people of Asian ethnicity can be New Zealanders? If you're so infatuated with Europe, why don't you move there - but you will no doubt be dismayed to find there are immigrants there, too.
Vick
While I wish that I could say the new influx of Chinese coming to NZ is a great thing and I welcome with open arms. I am afraid I cannot as an ex-business owner I still feel anger that I had to lay off staff and close my business down because I could not compete with all the competition undercutting me by doing two things, first using cheap and in some cases illegal products on their clients and two by paying their young workers $3hr which I found disgusting and it eventually did me out of business, I am happy to say that I have brought my entrepreneurial skills to beautiful Australia where there is a lovely mix of people and I have been welcomed with open arms. It seems the Chinese here that I have come across know that famous old cliché ...when in Rome.....
Vorn
Immigration is greed driven. New Zealand is becoming a commodity. I come from Auckland and I dont identify with that place anymore; I feel like I have lost my hometown because of mass immigration and other trends. and, we should not be benefiting from the poverty of other countries - who cares if they go to Australia instead, we should not be taking doctors from countries that are much sicker and have far fewer doctors than here. That's just one issue, multiply the logic out and we would have a very different immigration policy than we do now.
Brian
I am Asian. I've been living here for about 12 years. I think ethnic diversity is good in New Zealand, but the Asian culture is getting out of control. Having shop signs in big Asian writing should have a limit because in order to live in New Zealand, I personally, think that we have to adapt to New Zealand culture (e.g.) try to use English where possible). However I also think that sharing cultures is vital in an ethnic diverse country so we learn our differences, therefore we can get along with each other.
Aucklander
I am an immigrant myself and chose to live in NZ despite having options to go to other countries economically better off but what New Zealand offers can't be just weighed in money terms as its more conservative and polite society.However I must say immigrants face harrowing time initially finding job is hard and at one point was impossible (2003) where I was not even fit for Mcdonald as they wanted students there now in hindsight I can take solace as I have moved in life but not without working as temp for 6 months. Overall I appreciate the society which has accepted us with open minded approach but why it fails to translate into same approach in employment is something needs to be looked at.
An
The focus on "Asian" immigrants has a racist ring to it, if you ask me. I moved to Auckland about a year ago to follow my New Zealand husband. He was born and bred in Auckland and still many people don't take "Auckland" for an answer when they ask where he's from, because he is of Chinese descent. What's even worse, we had people asking me where he was from. Yet, I am the immigrant and he is not. But somehow, because of the different skin colour, people tend to think that my English is better than his. I would encourage everyone to look beyond skin colour and to engage with the other cultures. Instead of complaining about the existence of "Asian" restaurants and shops, go in there and discover something new. Instead of complaining that "Asians" always speak Chinese, try the following thought experiment: if you were to move to another country, would you suddenly stop speaking English to your family and friends? Besides, if every migrant should speak the "original" language, let's all switch to Maori from now on. New Zealand prides itself of its laid-back mentality and relaxed atmosphere and although there certainly is truth to that, I have been shocked by the intolerance of some.
Earl Pennington
It's great having people from all walks of life living here in New Zealand. There is so much we can learn from new cultures and to have differing views allows us to consider matters from a whole new perspective. It is a shame, however, that we sometimes surrender our nations beliefs and feel the need to change our ways to suit our relative newbies. When we visit other countries we are expected to live in their culture and do things their way and yet here in our own land we constantly are pressured to adapt to suit the needs of newcomers. We have our culture here in New Zealand but let's not forgo that culture in the name of diversity. Which, as someone has said already, isn't that diverse at all.
Frank Huan
I am wondering after considering around 50,000 international Chinese students, the 147,570 - Chinese is still correct? From the census, you are treated as a New Zealand resident if you intend to stay here over 1 year. I believe most of Chinese students are going to study in High schools or Varsity for more than one year. So I would say the statistic number be a bit of misleading.
NeillR
As a "white" New Zealander (and from the "redneck" South Island), I welcome the Asian influx, in particular the Chinese. Across the road from me, the majority of shops are run by new immigrants and they are friendly, hard-working and cheerful to be around. NZ has a reputation for being friendly, open and welcoming of others, but you wouldn't think so from reading the responses here. Maybe if some people took the time to get to know their new neighbours, they would find a group of people who are trying to make a better life for themselves and adding to the richness of the country in the process.
Daniel K
We all migrated to New Zealand from one land or another, therefore who gives us the right to say who comes into New Zealand or not.
George
I am an immigrant; however, I am not Asian. Anyone is free to immigrate to NZ and are accepted based upon set criteria. NZ needs immigrants: that is an economical fact. Many European Kiwis have benefited tremendously from immigration and continue to do so, but I don't get the feeling that they want to provide immigrants with equal opportunity. I would not be here if NZ did not need me. NZ is not an easy place to assimilate. Unless one comes from the UK, there is a glass ceiling in the workplace for the non UK immigrant. NZ is a great place to live, but quite expensive. There is not necessarily a place where there is equal opportunity for migrants. Why would anyone with marketable skills, who lives in a country with a high standard of living, good wages and a nice home migrate to a country where they will be discriminated against in the workplace, unable to afford a home in a nice neighborhood, and not be able to advance within their chosen career come to NZ? It makes no sense. So, the people who choose to migrate do so because life will be better. Nobody is looking to downgrade their quality of life by immigrating to NZ.I migrated here for personal and political reasons, but I earn far less money, have a far lower standard of living and live in housing that is much more expensive and of a much lower standard than in my home country. To me it is worth the trade off, but I am an odd duck. At one point, I could return home, work and bring my money back to NZ, but that is no longer an option given the strong Kiwi dollar.Think about it: Australia is next door. Wouldn't this country be full of Australians if life were better here for them? All they need is a plane ticket and their passport... You can not give with one hand and take with the other. If you want European immigrants, then offer them at least a European standard of living.
Kim Hutcheson
I think it's a good thing, which makes the country more multi-cultural and strengthens the economy. On the other hand it can be seen as a beating stick that has already been used to get Winston elected more than once, so theres clearly plenty of anti-Asian sentiment. Overall positive, however I think that it should be tightly controlled to avoid threats to social cohesion.
Leonie
Immigration is a complicated issue. There are many benefits that exist, however our immigration policies seem to have skewered towards economic benefits without looking at social impact. Immigration is a quick fire solution to bring money into the country and artificially prop it up, after all. There is a balancing act where we want to embrace new migrants and all the skills and positives that they bring without creating isolated mini-countries within New Zealand. There has to be the support from government if they are enticing skilled migrants to live here, but there also has to be a willingness from people moving here to adapt to our way of life. We can look and already see what happens when we create pockets of people who do not interact and are disenfranchised from society as a whole, and it's not fair on them, and it's not fair to the country. It's just going to take a bit more thought on how to make sure that this a win-win situation for everyone involved instead of a lose-lose one.
Mary
While I applaud cultural diversity, there seems however to be a dominance of people of Asian origin in this country, especially in Auckland. Why has this imbalance been allowed to occur? We know of a young woman from Slovakia, very well educated, with excellent people skills who's trying to get a work permit, which hopefully will lead to permanent residence in NZ, but has been told time and time again she isn't suitable! Apart from gaining university degrees in commerce, marketing and tourism as well as having excellent English language skills, she's familiarized herself with our history .Maori, Pacific Island and Pakeha, studying through the internet for several years. This very intelligent young woman reads the NZ Herald online every day as well as other national newspapers, and as a result is up to date with our news and events. Also she has taken the time to find out how our political system works. She has been to NZ as a visitor three times, yet for some reason or other she is unable to obtain a work visa, despite her incredible knowledge of our culture and government system and her ability to communicate well in English! So why can't this young lady be given the opportunity to give NZ the benefit of her skills and knowledge, when others who have difficulty with the English language and absolutely no knowledge of our way of life be allowed to settle here? NZ definitely needs a cultural balance!
Raj Subramanian
It reflects the changes taking place in the world. The Asia resurgence.Regional booms and busts are also going in Cycles. But it is in 20-40 year cycles. This time it is Asia's turn. The skilled I.T. manpower in India and the cheap labour for manufacturing in China stimulated this growth. As New Zealand need both of them, the Immigration needs of skilled-shortages are coming from this region. The way USA and Australia are going for outsourcing to Asia, New Zealand is doing well by absorbing those skills into our economy. Still outsourcing will happen here. But Government should encourage value added activities so that we should not stick with low cost activities that have gone to Asia. We need to take on new creative activities that are high in value to the world. If we rely on trading on housing sector as value addition a burst will ruin our economies. Life goes on whether you adapt to change or not.United States is quick to learn and try to establish itself as Global security agent,other countries so far accepted them as specialists. What about New Zealand, why should world do trade with us? We have to concentrate on a specialised sector. Government has no clue about the changes taking place in the world. What about us? The new Asia immigrants can be useful for us to look into the broader picture of the world.
Jess
In my neighbourhood somedays it feels more like downtown Shanghai then downtown Auckland, I don't mind Asian people at all but I do have a problem when they seem to not be making an effort to try and fit in with the New Zealand culture at all.. I support NZ first on the immigration policies it sited before the election. It is ridiculous at the moment. The 2 bedroom house next door to me has a family of 7 Chinese people living in it non of which seem to work, where as I have a friend from Canada who is a doctor and they wont allow her and her family in because her son didnt pass his first year at uni. Surely this is wrong. At the end of the day if you move to a new country you have to adopt their ways and not try and change us into the country you left in the first place.
Travis
I am a born and bred enzedder and I must admit it amuses me that I am to be grouped in a section of folk called 'pakeha'. If you must intimate that I am of European extraction please intimate that I am of European extraction, but as your paper is, if I am not mistaken an English language daily, please keep it so. If 67 per cent of folk are European and a considerable number are of other extraction who have made the effort to learn English and assimilate, how about this author and your paper stops being so politically dull and start encouraging your hacks to write in a more inclusive manner.
Kate Bennett
I am concerned at a large number of people who dont share my values or views. I see nothing wrong with a balanced immigration policy but no group should have more immigration than others. I was surprised to read that in South Auckland we have 163 ethnic groups. When you have large numbers of one group then there is bound to be problems. I dont want to see NZ becoming anything but the mix I grew up. NZ should be looking at limiting the numbers of groups particularly in Auckland. We have yet to see the effects of these groups in New Zealand in say 20 or 30 years time. Most of them cant speak English, dont want to learn English and want their own cultures. NZ culture should be paramount and there should be limits on the ages and numbers of people who can come here. I see nothing wrong with the culture that I grew up and yes I have lived in a large number of countries amongst numerous ethnic groups. I dont think the effect of large numbers of groups have had a positive effect on New Zealand's way of life. Its time to have a good look at the effects of our increased population. How long before any of us born here become a minority in our own country.
Elaine
Due to the cultural change in this country (and it not being a good change) I don't expect many kiwis wanting to return to New Zealand and many will leave New Zealand for a better life abroad. Unfortunately, this country is going down the toilet.
A D King
As a fourth generation New Zealander from Irish and English stock, I object to the term Pakeha being used to describe white New Zealanders. As I understand it pakeha(flea)was orginally a dismissive term used by Maori chiefs when the first sailing ships arrived in NZ waters.The article writer should have used another more suitable description.
Keanani
It is inevitable that countries founded upon democracy and colonization, settlement and immigration will continue to be the places that attract people from all over. However, there must be thoughtful and fair migration policies for both the native people of a country and the newcomers. What I find has been happening more and more, is a biased effort to limit some peoples in favor of others in some sort of "political correctness multicultural diversity is the only way mentality" here is nothing politically correct in marginalizing a native people and replacing them. There is a big difference between a society that is multiracial, multiethnic and diverse, and one that is "multicultural". A nation is held together by the glue of a national culture that unites all people, despite their differences. The continued insistence that a society has to be "multicultural", especially without time being allowed for integration and assimilation, leads to a country that is made up of many "little countries" within your country. The unfortuanate result, is that the native people, culture and way of life that is the unifier now of that country, is marginalized, as are the people, and there will no longer be a country that honors your heritage, culture and way of life that is that country. I live in my ancestral homeland that has seen the decimation and outpopulation of its' native people by massive waves of unabated, imported foreigners who now dominate the homeland of another people. It is imperative, that people who seek to relocate to another people's country, which has a way of life, identity and culture well established, that unifies all the people of that country, regardless of "race, ethnicity, religion, roots and origins", to adapt to that country of which they seek to relocate to. It simply is not right for people to relocate to another country and establish their homeland within that country. My ancestors lost their country of Hawai'i. They were subsequently outpopulated and dominated by the descendants of foreigners, who by the way, have an ancestral country, which promotes, prepetuates and continues their ethnic identity, culture, language, heritage and people. Hawai'i is not Hawaiian, it is not even Polynesian. "Hawaiian" is the host culture. There is nothing wrong with diversity and immigrants coming to New Zealand, but if the newcomers insist, along with the help of your pc-multicult advocates, on establishing their homeland within your country, you will soon find that Kiwi identity and Maori-Polynesian heritage and culture will be marginalized and swept aside. One has only to look at the Fijian Islands, where an indigenous people are finding their ethnic and cultural identity being swept aside. This leads to conflict. China has over 1.4 billion people, and Chinese identity, language and culture will continue to dominate in China. Is that alright? New Zealand is a Polynesian land that became Europeanized. Why is it not right for New Zealanders to insist on Kiwi identity, British-European roots and preservation of the Maori Culture as newcomers settle there? It is one thing to celebrate various cultural festivals of all of New Zealands people, it is quite another for native people to feel as if they are in another country because parts of their former more united country has pockets of ethnic enclaves that go about as if they are a foreign homeland. It is simply not right for the people of a country to be swept aside by a tide of newcomers, foreigners and better life seeking immigrants who do not make the effort to respect and adapt to the culture, way of life, heritage and people of that country. It is not racism to want to preserve your culture, identity, ancestral customs and way of life within your ancestral homeland. For anyone to suggest, let alone demand, that anyone form anywhere has a right to plant themsleves in another people's country and simply set up shop on the land recreating the country that they left, is racist and denigrating. It merely tells people that their culture, ethnic identity, ancestral roots, and heritage are of no value. Please do not call "Asians" an "ethnic group". Asian, like Caucasian, Polynesian, African or Middle Eastern, is not an ethnicity. Chines
