Migrants

Migrant workers told us that there were a number of ways that discrimination was expressed when they sought work. We heard from Chinese Aucklanders that some migrants “anglicize” their name to increase the chance of being interviewed for a job; “repackaging yourself for the New Zealand market” one Chinese Aucklander told us. “As long as I know who I am and what I am then it shouldn’t worry me,” said one participant.

We also heard that employers sought “Kiwi experience” and English as a first language. The Commission’s widely circulated pre-employment guide, the A-Z, http://www.neon.org.nz/documents/HRC%20A-Z%20Pre-employment%20Guide.pdf provides advice to prospective employees and employers about what is permissible under the Human Rights Act.

Another barrier is qualifications and professional accreditation.






















Longveld Engineering in Hamilton has developed a numeracy and literacy programme to assist migrant employees and has found that it has benefited Kiwi-born employees as well.