Media release
11 May 2001

Pilot Study To Examine Needs Of Migrants

Manukau City Council and Auckland City Council are working together on a joint pilot study aimed at finding ways of improving the settlement of migrants in the Auckland region.

Among the key tasks of the study will be identifying the gaps in social services being provided to immigrants, and recommending ways of filling the gaps and making whatever changes are needed.

The pilot study will also determine the best place to locate a “one-stop shop” where migrants can get access to all the advice and assistance they require in one building. The need for such a service has been clearly identified.

The pilot study is being funded by the government.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says migrants are not well provided for when they arrive in New Zealand.

“ Many face great difficulty finding appropriate work here, even if they are well qualified. Employers’ attitudes must change to give these people a fair chance to build a life here. But there’s a range of other barriers which migrants face, and the study will aim to identify those, and make recommendations which we hope will make a big difference.

“This joint study is a good example of the region’s councils working together for the betterment of the whole region. I believe the outcome will help make life better for a sector of the community that has a lot to offer but needs better assistance and co-ordination of services before they can overcome the barriers they face,” Sir Barry said.

Ends

Media Contact
Gabrielle Hinton
Corporate Communications
Manukau City Council
Phone: (09) 2628900 x 8650
Fax: (09) 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

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