NZ needs to better support our current refugees

last editorial I looked at Migration levels. This week I want to look at our Refugee Numbers. For the past 30 years we have accepted 750 Refugees into New Zealand annually. On top of that we then prioritise the families of those refugees. The current John Key National Government has already increased that number to include an additional 250 Syrian refugees for the 2016 and 2017 years. They have now reviewed the number and increased it so that the current 1,000 annually (750 + 250 Syrians) will become a permanent total. Labour, the Greens and the likes of Amnesty International say that we are not generous enough – and yet the evidence is that after 10 years of being a New Zealand resident only 42% of our refugees have paid employment. 58% remain as long term beneficiaries. And of the refugees that arrived her between 1993 and 1999, more than one third have since left New Zealand. That is 2,330 refugees, out of 4,020 (6,000 less 1,980 who have left NZ) who have entered New Zealand under refugee status, remain long term unemployed – and this doesn’t include family members who also subsequently gain preferential entry.

What kind of life is that – unemployed, and feeling low self-esteem, for 10 years or more. We are not helping these unfortunate people; we need to do better; and not by upping the quota – but by giving our existing refugees better support to ensure that they ALL find worthwhile employment. Angry Andrew Little needs to get off his high horse. It was no better during the Helen Clark Government – and a symbolic doubling of the refugee quota is not the answer right now.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me.

Are our immigration settings right?

With the pressure on housing, originally in Auckland and now moving to the Bay of Plenty, the spotlight goes on to finding solutions. Immigration looks to be an obvious anomaly, but is it? John Key says that it is a sign of this country’s success, and while I agree in part (the reversal of the past exodus to Australia certainly is), I think he needs to look deeper.

Immigration NZ sets points for entry, but we seem to be filling our numbers with too many immigrants who end up as low paid workers. Yes they are filling a gap in our employment because too many of our beneficiaries just aren’t prepared to “get their hands dirty”. I know that is a generalisation, but you only have to look at our horticulture industries to see that there are plenty of employment opportunities if you are prepared to work. What is interesting however is the difference in work quality between the likes of the Indian labour force, and those from the Pacific Islands (working under the RSE Scheme). Production increases from careful pruning etc in the kiwifruit industry is showing that the RSE workers are doing a better job, and this is translating into better yields for growers. I would think that there would be an even bigger disparity if these workers were entirely replaced with our New Zealand unemployed.

Yes we do need to restrict low end working migrants, because (one) they are competing with our unemployed, and (two) they add pressure to our housing crisis. But is immigration restriction a single bullet – I don’t think so. However it is another “tool in the toolbox”. 70,000 immigrants a year is not sustainable.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me

Te Aranui Youth Trust is a gem for our community

Te Aranui Youth Trust is taking affirmative action to help our most vulnerable children. This Trust works closely with our Police to help young at-risk children one at a time. These are children, who are often from dysfunctional families, and who, if we can stop them from growing into a life of dependence and crime, will save taxpayers between $320,000 and $1,000,000 over their lifetime. That is why Te Aranui Youth Trust is such a good charity to be associated with. You only have to multiple the children we help with the potential cost to see the value. This Trust is truly making a difference, working with our wonderful Police and their Youth Officers to make a real difference with the most vulnerable. We work with the bottom 5% of society that most Not-for-Profits aren’t interested in. Yes it is hard – but it is so rewarding as well. For me this is what supporting local communities is all about.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me