Majority of immigrants are happy with New Zealand life

A recent survey of migrants in New Zealand has revealed that the majority are satisfied with their new lives. The study was conducted by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and found that the main reason for people wanting to move to New Zealand was to be with a partner, family or friends. The second most popular reason was the environment and the pace of life.

Also high on the list were the low crime rate and the friendly welcome. Despite this however, the Immigration Settlement Monitoring Migrants Survey 2011 found that well over half of those making New Zealand their new home had no more than one New Zealand friend.

The survey found that whereas 41 per cent said that socialised with the natives, 22 per cent admitted that they never mixed with New Zealanders. Those least likely to have a Kiwi friend were immigrants from Southeast Asia and north Asia.

Those most likely to mingle came from North America, Ireland and the UK.

Respondents to the survey were not so impressed by New Zealand’s cost of living, its housing or the salaries they could expect to be paid, according to a report in the Himalayan Times. However, these niggles did not prevent 70 per cent of those who had recently arrived in the country saying that they wanted to remain permanently.