Tūi Tūi Tuituiā

Faith communities say no to family violence

Several workshops and community events took place during the year to discuss what actions faith communities were taking, or could take, to prevent family violence.

These activities followed on from the signing of a national statement in 2012 when over 40 faith communities agreed to take a stand against family violence recognising it as one of the most significant moral, spiritual and social challenges faced by Aotearoa New Zealand. The statement was facilitated by the Children’s Commissioner and committed faith communities to take action to make a difference in the lives of children and families.

Muslim World Forum strengthens connections

The first Muslim World Forum took place in Auckland in November, providing an opportunity to discuss contemporary issues relating to Aotearoa New Zealand’s relationship with the Muslim world. The event was a collaboration between the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the New Zealand Muslim community. It aimed to create better connections between Muslims and the wider community while also promoting respect, understanding and inclusion of Muslims in all aspects of New Zealand life.

Qur'an translated into te reo Māori

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community celebrated the launch of the Kur'anu Tapu - a version of the Muslim holy book, the Qur'an − translated into te reo Māori.

His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was in Aotearoa New Zealand to help launch the te reo Māori version of the Qur'an, which has been translated from the Arabic text. It took 25 years to complete. A copy was also given to King Tūheitia at a reception at Tūrangawaewae Marae. This comprehensive translation follows earlier partial translations of the Qur'an.

Other significant activities in 2013

1. 
   Dame Susan Devoy was welcomed into her new role as Race Relations Commissioner at a multi-faith dinner at the Wellington Jewish Community Centre, where she received support from members of Wellington’s Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish and Christian communities.
   

2. 
   The Law Commission conducted public meetings throughout the year seeking views from Aotearoa New Zealand’s religious and ethnic communities on potential changes to the laws around burials and cremations.
   

3. 
   Representatives from diverse religious backgrounds provided advice on new achievement standards for Religious Studies in secondary schools. A review of the Levels 1−3 standards, led by the Ministry of Education and NZQA, sought to align the standards with the school curriculum and assessment framework. New standards are likely to be implemented from 2014.
   

4. 
   Mother Teresa Interfaith committee hosted an event to promote religious tolerance and harmony which was attended by his Highness, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Prince of Arcot, a renowned Muslim leader and philanthropist from India.
   

Te heketanga me te whakatau – Migration and settlement

Each year thousands of people arrive, to make Aotearoa New Zealand their home. Our current immigration system is recognised as being progressive, carefully balancing the protection of human rights with border control and security. During 2013, major changes to the immigration system were set out, as well as changes to the way newcomers are supported as they settle into their new life in New Zealand.

Migration trends

The latest migration figures³⁵ reveal there were more people arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand than leaving in the year to June 2013. There was a net migration gain of 7900 compared with a net migration loss of 3200 the previous year.

A total of 38,961 people were approved for residence, down 4 per cent from the previous year. Most permanent migrants to Aotearoa New Zealand came from China (15 per cent), just ahead of the United Kingdom and India (13 per cent each). This means that more than one in four permanent resident migrants now comes from either India or China.

Migration plays an important role in the New Zealand labour market. In Canterbury there continues to be a significant demand for migrant workers. Since July 2011, over 1700 visas were granted to people coming specifically for earthquake-related work. As the rebuild picks up pace, more migrants from both within New Zealand and overseas will make Canterbury their home. The majority of Canterbury’s migrant workers are from the Philippines, followed by workers from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

In 2012−13, 64,232 international students were approved to study in Aotearoa New Zealand, down 4 per cent from the previous year. The largest source countries of students were China (27 per cent), India (13 per cent) and South Korea (8 per cent).

The number of people approved for a temporary work visa increased 5 per cent. In 2012−13 144,978 people were granted temporary work visas, up from 138,162 the previous year.

Migrant workers in Canterbury

Despite bringing much-needed skills to the region, migrant workers continue to face challenges when they arrive in Canterbury.

A lack of oversight has led to the unfair treatment of some migrant workers. Employment breaches include unreasonable work hours, unpaid overtime and annual leave, non-transparent salary deductions and lack of employment agreements, while reports of wage disparities and workplace discrimination are also common.

Concerns continue to be raised by migrant advocacy groups regarding the exploitation of Filipino workers. Some Filipino workers are forced by recruitment agents in the Philippines to take on high-interest loans to pay for job placements and visas. This can result in them being locked into considerable debt before arriving in New Zealand. Often unaware of their basic rights and concerned that their work visas may be cancelled, many migrant workers are afraid to raise the issue and speak out against their employers.

Health and housing concerns in Christchurch are also affecting Canterbury’s migrants. Some migrant workers currently live in inadequate housing and health services are needing to keep pace with the demand for interpreters and culturally-responsive health care.

Some migrants in Canterbury have also been subject to verbal and physical harassment, often fuelled by the perception that migrant workers contribute to local unemployment.