The New Zealand Settlement Strategy
Why does the Government provide settlement support?
International migration studies show that how much a country benefits from new migrants is strongly linked to how efficiently and effectively they are able to fit in - or settle - in their new land.
New Zealand has one of the highest migration rates in the OECD, with almost one quarter of the entire population leaving or arriving every decade. We are also in competition with other countries for the best skilled migrants.
Good settlement means migrants contribute to the economy sooner, are more successful and satisfied, and are more likely to stay in New Zealand.
What Strategy is in place to deliver this policy?
The development of the New Zealand Settlement Strategy (NZSS) has been led by the Department of Labour through Immigration New Zealand as the enabler of government immigration policy.
Successful settlement relies on all parts of a new migrant’s life finding a balance, so government support for settlement extends across most government agencies.
From central government agency initiatives, to new foods appearing at community fundraisers, at some level every New Zealander is involved in helping new migrants feel welcome, and we all share in the benefits.
The Settlement strategy has been implemented through the Settlement National Action Plan (SNAP), which specifies key outcomes and responsibilities for their delivery.
How is the Strategy being delivered?
Most of the government agencies involved in the NZSS and SNAP provide services both specifically for, or directly relevant to, new arrivals in New Zealand. Descriptions of and links to these services can be found throughout this site.
Other key initiatives initiated through the NZSS and SNAP are the Auckland Regional Settlement Strategy, the Wellington Regional Settlement Strategy, and the Settlement Support New Zealand network.
More information
The New Zealand Settlement Strategy PDF [839Kb]
The Settlement National Action Plan PDF [839Kb]
The Auckland Regional Settlement Strategy PDF [2077 Kb]
The Auckland Settlement Action Plan PDF [479 Kb]
The Wellington Regional Settlement Strategy PDF [2075 Kb]
The Plan of Action for Wellington Settlement PDF [883 Kb]
