Social Issue: What impact does immigration have on Early Childhood Services in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Historical context

Aotearoa New Zealand was originally devoid of human life. The first two phases of migration were large scale and focused, many people of very similar cultures making the transition. The Māori were largely independent, while the British were united under the crown.

The partnership between the first two cultures who settled here have defined a cultural identify for Aotearoa New Zealand which does little to consider the cultures of other migrants.

Xenomorphic practice can be traced to both the divisions of the Iwi themselves, and the British fascination with a deficit cultural outlook. It was perpetuated by successive governments from the 1870s to the late 1970s. It was perpetuated long enough to become part of the “Kiwi Culture” itself.

Since the arrival of neo-liberalism in the 1980s, the borders have relaxed and a wide range of cultures have chosen to move to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Current political context

Immigration policy maintained by the current government is almost identically reflected in 2 of the three major opposition parties. This suggests that limiting immigration by quota and usefulness to the economy will be a feature of New Zealand immigration policy for some time into the future.

Potential immigrants still require an expected level of English competency to enter the country. This appears to be the only policy which could be construed as culturally selective. The majority of the criteria focus on; sought after skill sets and financially successful immigrants.

What does it all mean for early childhood professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Early childhood in Aotearoa New Zealand is guided by a bi-cultural document which, although focuses on Maori and British interests, acknowledges the presence of the diverse cultures within the community.

Educators are encouraged to embrace and affirm the cultures of all within their community. This can be achieved by first understanding their own historical background and secondly, developing their own understanding of the cultures present within their community.

Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood Settings.

An Overview of Early Childhood Literature in Aotearoa New Zealand.

From whatever walk of life people originate, they carry their own unique culture with them (Gibbs, 2006). When a culture differs from the perceived norms, it can be mistaken for a threat to the status quo (Rata, O'Brien, Murray, Mara, Gray, & Rawlinson, 2001). There is an increased potential for cultural differences to result in discrimination.

Modern early childhood literature reflects an appreciation for the diversity of cultures that children possess (Gibbs, 2006; Ministry of Education, 1996; Tileston, 2000). This blog post will inspect the variety of ways that early childhood literature in Aotearoa New Zealand articulates an appreciation for the diversity of cultures.

The early childhood curriculum of Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Whariki (Ministry of Education, 1996), provides a framework for how teachers are expected to convey to children a sense that their culture is valued (Nagel, 2009). It is a political document which represents the will of the current government to ensure diversity is embraced (Gibbs, 2006). Therefore, the early childhood curriculum can be perceived as a component of the national immigration strategy.

A great deal of responsibility then lies with each individual teacher to implement a curriculum which promotes positive cultural attitudes (Feeney, Moravcik, Nolte, & Christensen, 2010). As a role-model to the children, the significance of genuinely respectful interactions between teacher and a migrant child can influence attitudes of all of the children who witness the interactions (Gibbs, 2006; Rata, et al, 2001).

A strategy for teachers to better appreciate a migrant child, is to fully understand their own heritage. When a teacher examines their own cultural journey, they can better empathise with others who have recently arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand (Barlow, 1991; Gibbs, 2006).

When children share their culture with others, they are part of a reciprocal learning process. Migrant children provide a rich opportunity for other children to explore a different culture (Rata, et al, 2001). It is also an opportunity for migrant children to significantly enhance their self-confidence by affirming that their culture is valued by their new community (Bevan-Brown, 2003; Guo, & Dalli, 2012; Ministry of Education, 1996).

The invaluable interactions between cultures at early childhood centres can be seen as a catalyst for racial harmony within a society (Gibbs, 2006). When cultural artefacts, rituals and language are an active part of the curriculum, children develop a positive attitude towards their own and other cultures (Guo, & Dalli, 2012; Ministry of Education, 1996).

References :

Barlow, C. (1991). Tikanga whakaaro: Key concepts in Māori culture. Auckland, New Zealand: Oxford University Press.

Bevan-Brown, J. (2003). The cultural self-review: Providing culturally effective, inclusive, education for Māori learners. Wellington, New Zealand: NCER.

Gibbs, (2006). To be a teacher: Journeys towards authenticity. North Shore, New Zealand: Pearson.

Guo, K., & Dalli, C. (2012). Negotiating and creating intercultural relations: Chinese immigrant children in New Zealand early childhood centres. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 37(3), 129-136.

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He Whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa/Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand:  Learning Media.

Nagel, N.G. (2009). Honoring family and culture: Learning from New Zealand. In Young children, 64(5), 40-44. Retrieved from ERIC database. (EJ868193).

Rata, E., O'Brien, P., Murray, R., Mara, D., Gray, S., & Rawlinson, C. (2001). Diversity. In V. Carpenter, H. Dixon, E. Rata and C.Rawlinson. (Eds.). Theory in practice for educators. (pp 189-210). North Shore, New Zealand: Cengage Learning New Zealand.

Tileston, D.W. (2000). Ten best teaching practices: How brain research, learning styles, and standards define teaching competencies. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

 

The Politics of Modern Immigration.

At the conclusion of the parliamentary election in Aotearoa New Zealand 2011, the vote count (translated into percentages) looked like this; National Party 47%, Labour Party 27%, The Green Party 11%, and the New Zealand First Party 7% (New Zealand Electoral Commission, 2011). In order to examine the predominant immigration ideologies of Aotearoa New Zealand, the four highest voted parties will be examined here.

A National Party Perspective.

“Building a stronger economy” (Hamilton, 2011).

The National Party was established by bringing together liberal and conservative values. Their aim is to promote business success and advocating for our commitment to the crown as a British colony (Shaw, & Eichbaum, 2011).

The immigration policy of the National Party has two key facets; Ensuring new settlers will increase the financial prestige of Aotearoa New Zealand and ensuring adherence to the international requirements with regard to accepting refugees into the country (Hamilton, 2011; Immigration New Zealand, 2011).

The National Party immigration policy is intended to increase the wealth of Aotearoa New Zealand (Hamilton, 2011).This has been the inspiration for an immigration agenda which targets specific types of people to settle in Aotearoa New Zealand. To address skill shortages within the Aotearoa New Zealand workforce, the government maintains lists of desirable careers. The most recent list is dedicated to specialist tasks required for the Christchurch city rebuild. There is also a quota which dictates how many seasonal immigrant employees can work in Aotearoa New Zealand temporarily (Immigration New Zealand, 2011).

A component of the skills targeted immigration agenda, which has attracted controversy, is the entertainers visa (Sacks, 2010). The National Party intention is to promote large overseas investment in the New Zealand Film industry with this policy (Hamilton, 2011). The policy streamlines the ability for entertainers to perform in Aotearoa New Zealand. To directly attract wealth there is a framework for investors or established business people to immigrate to Aotearoa New Zealand (Immigration New Zealand, 2011).

There is also a scheme to introduce young people (20 to 35 years of age) who have proven potential in their chosen field (Immigration New Zealand, 2013).

The National Party maintains a quota for 750 refugees to enter the country per year (Immigration New Zealand, 2011). In 2013 the Prime Minister announced that 150 of the 750 would be from the Australian refugee waiting list (Nicholson, 2013).

A Labour Party Perspective.

The Labour Party has traditionally been the champion of the Social Democracy ideology (Shaw, & Eichbaum, 2011). Social Democrats believe in a balance of individual freedom and collective cooperation. The Labour Party was founded to represent the common workers of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In its modern context, the Labour Party immigration policy is almost identical to the National Party immigration policy with two points of difference. The first is in recognising the social impact of immigration on the immigrants themselves. The Labour Party policy outlines an intention to strengthen services to support new immigrants to Aotearoa New Zealand. This would be provided in the form of mental health services for refugees, increased support options for immigrant students and an expanded appeals system to address immigrants with “systematic issues” (Barron, 2011). The second is to remove the Entertainers Visa which (the Labour party asserts) allows migrant workers to occupy job vacancies that should be given to existing citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand (Adern, 2011).

A Green Party Perspective.

The Green Party is an evolution of the Values Party, which was the first modern political party to be founded upon environmental awareness . They continue to maintain an environmentalist stance by stating “Ecological Wisdom” as one of their core principles. They appear to support an extreme left stance by opposing irresponsible or destructive use of natural resources, which is the mainstay of many primary industries in Aotearoa New Zealand. However, within their portfolio, their policies conform to a mixture of left and right wing ideologies. Where they differ from being Socially Democratic is the motivation for government intervention. Social Democrats are socially responsible for underprivileged people. The Green Party believes protecting the environment is the core social responsibility that a government should endorse (Shaw, & Eichbaum, 2011).

The Green Party immigration policy is similar to the National Party policy with only one major exception. The Green Party policy would increase the number of refugees permitted to enter Aotearoa New Zealand (Barron, 2011).

A New Zealand First Party Perspective.

“’… immigration will cease to be used as an excuse for our failure to train, skill, and employ our own people’ - New Zealand First fundamental principle” (Stewart, 2011, p. 5). Within their manifesto the New Zealand First Party articulate a desire to greatly reduce the number of people who may migrate to Aotearoa New Zealand .

The New Zealand First Party promotes conservative values and an economy insulated from global influences (Shaw, & Eichbaum, 2011). The New Zealand First Party would also disregard opinion from abroad and refuse to follow international agreements with regard to accepting refugees into Aotearoa New Zealand (Stewart, 2011).

 

References:

Adern, J. (2011). If it ain’t broke. Retrieved from http://www.actorsequity.org.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147:if-it-aint-broke&catid=44:in-the-news

Barron, J. (2011). Election 2011 - party policies - immigration. Retrieved from http://www.interest.co.nz/news/54330/election-2011-party-policies-immigration

Hamilton, G. (2011). Immigration: Building a stronger economy. In Hamilton, G. (Ed.). Policy 2011. Wellington, New Zealand: Author.

Immigration New Zealand. (2011). Immigration act 2009: Refugee and protection status determinations. Retrieved from http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/immigrationact/factsheets/refugees.htm

Immigration New Zealand. (2011). Investing and doing business in New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/invest/

Immigration New Zealand. (2011). Recognised seasonal employers. Retrieved from http://www.immigration.govt.nz/employers/employ/temp/rse/

Immigration New Zealand. (2012). Essential skills in demand lists. Retrieved from http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/skilledmigrant/LinkAdministration/ToolboxLinks/essentialskills.htm

Immigration New Zealand. (2012). Performing artists, entertainers and film industry personnel - requirements. Retrieved from http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/worktemporarily/requirements/specificpurpose/performingsrtistsfilmindustry.htm

Immigration New Zealand. (2013). Silver fern job search visa. Retrieved from http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/silverfern/jobsearch.htm

New Zealand Electoral Commission. (2011). 2011 General election results – official results. Retrieved from http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_20

Nicholson, B. (2013). New Zealand to take 150 asylum-seekers from Australia. Retrieved from http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/new-zealand-to-take-asylum-seekers-from-australia/story-fn59niix-1226574373242

Sacks, E. (2010). The hobbit producer Peter Jackson threatens to pull lord of the rings prequels from New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/hobbit-producer-peter-jackson-threatens-pull-lord-rings-prequels-new-zealand-article-1.441348

Shaw, R., & Eichbaum, C. (2011). Public policy in New Zealand: Institutions processes and outcomes. (3rd ed.). Auckland, New Zealand: Pearson.

Stewart, B. (2011). NZ First Manifesto. Retrieved from http://nzfirst.org.nz/content/nz-first-manifesto

Historical Background.

The immigration of people to Aotearoa New Zealand began after its discovery by the Māori explorer, Kupe (Te Ahukaramū, 2012). He brought to Polynesian people of Hawaiki, knowledge of the land of the long white cloud.

The reasons for Māori immigration were varied. Many of the major immigrations performed were separated from the others. Some Polynesian movements were due to overcrowding on the pacific islands (Mitchell, 1972), while others carried more romantic incentives or the result of conflicts (Kopi Holdings Ltd, n.d.; Taonui, 2012).

The initial immigrants were not politically aligned and Aotearoa New Zealand was divided into areas that different Iwi chose to settle on. Each area could be considered an independent Socialist Monarchy. An exception was the Moriori (a Socialist Meritocracy) who decided their leaders by the skills they possessed (Kopi Holdings Ltd, n.d.).

The European colonization of Aotearoa New Zealand was more single minded. An important architect of the philosophy for British colonisation was Edward Gibbon Wakefield (1976-1872). His theory was to introduce a workforce who would purchase unused land and transform it into productive land (Fairburn, 2012). He would spark the imagination of potential colonists with the promise of inexpensive land on the frontier (New Zealand Tourism Guide, 2013).  An arrangement between many Māori Iwi (some Iwi were absent and some disagreed with the arrangement) formalised the ability for Aotearoa New Zealand to be settled with British interests in mind (Orange, 2004; Walker, 1995).

While the bulk of the colonists who came to Aotearoa New Zealand were of British descent (English, Protestant Irish, Scottish, & Welsh), immigrants from other nationalities were also invited to perform specific tasks (Brooking, & Rabel, 1995). Scandinavians and Germans were welcomed as they were considered to be hard working and similar in mind-set to the British (Leckie, 1995). Immigrants from other Nationalities (or Catholic Irish) were treated with hostility (Brooking, & Rabel, 1995). The Immigration Restriction act of 1899 dictated that only English speaking people were eligible to settle in New Zealand (Leckie, 1995).

At the conclusion of World War I, led by a rallying cry from the Returned Soldiers Association (Brooking, & Rabel, 1995), a new Immigration Restriction Amendment Act (1920) was introduced (Ministry for Culture and Heritage, 2012). The new act demanded that persons wishing to immigrate to Aotearoa New Zealand must first obtain permission. British subjects who were not descendants of the British Isles were denied permission. Legislation passed during the 1920s would set a xenomorphic tone for immigration over the following 40 years (Brooking, & Rabel, 1995).

Civilisation flourished in Aotearoa New Zealand, the resident cultures of the land developed what would become known to be “Kiwi Culture” (Smith, 2008). In 1961, new immigrants to Aotearoa New Zealand who were not of British descent were less than 2% of the total (Brooking, & Rabel, 1995). Asian and Pacific island people represented half of that 2%.

Aotearoa New Zealand enjoyed a period of time where everyone was meaningfully employed (Brooking, & Rabel, 1995). Immigration was limited to fill any gaps in the labour. Pacific island communities were invited to Aotearoa New Zealand to perform labour intensive tasks (Isola Productions, 2005). A debate began about the Pacific Island communities’ potential impact on the national identity (Mitchell, 2010).

The economy took a downturn and unemployment began to steadily rise. Pacific Island communities were targeted as the cause (Isola Productions, 2005). A new right wing National government was elected who had made the promise to rid Aotearoa New Zealand of the perceived threat (Brooking, & Rabel, 1995). Throughout the middle of the 1970's, a series of “Dawn Raids” were executed by the police force. Pacific Island people were arrested in the early hours of the morning and deported as overstaying illegal immigrants (Isola Productions, 2005). In the early 1980s the National government was ousted from government after a failed election campaign. The new government acted to open the door to immigrants under a left wing, Neo-liberal philosophy (Walker, 1995).

 

References:

Brooking, T., & Rabel, R. (1995). Neither British nor Polynesian: A brief history of New Zealand's other immigrants. In S.W. Grief (Ed.). Immigration and national identity in New Zealand: One people, two peoples, many peoples? Palmerston North, New Zealand: The Dunmore Press Ltd.

Fairburn, M. (2012). Wakefield, Edward Gibbon. Retrieved from http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1w4/wakefield-edward-gibbon.

Isola Productions. (2005). Dawn raids. Retrieved from http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/dawn-raids-2005.

Kopi Holdings Ltd. (n.d). Moriori settlers of early Rekohu. Retrieved from http://www.education-resources.co.nz/early-rekohu.htm.

Leckie, J. (1995). Silent Immigrants? Gender, immigration and ethnicity in New Zealand. in Grief, S.W. (Ed.). Immigration and national identity in New Zealand: One people, two peoples, many peoples? Palmerston North, New Zealand: The Dunmore Press Ltd.

Ministry for Culture and Heritage. (2012). White New Zealand policy introduced. Retrieved from http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/page/white-new-zealand-policy-introduced.

Mitchell, J.H. (1972). Takitimu. Wellington, New Zealand: Reed Publishing Ltd.

Mitchell, J. (2010). Immigration and national identy in 1970s New Zealand. Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago. Retrieved from NZCER database. (T10249).

New Zealand Tourism Guide. (2013). New Zealand colonisation. Retrieved from http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/colonisation.html.

Orange, C. (2004). An illustrated history of the Treaty of Waitangi. Wellington, New Zealand: Bridget Williams Books.

Smith, I.W.G. (2008). Maori, Pakeha and Kiwi: Peoples, cultures and sequence in New Zealand archaeology. In G.R. Clark, B.F. Leach and S. O’Connor (Eds.). Islands of Inquiry: Colonisation, Seafaring and the Archaeology of Maritime Landscapes. Canberra, Australia: ANU EPress. 367-380.

Taonui, R. (2012). Canoe traditions - Te Arawa and Tainui: Te Ara - the encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/canoe-traditions/page-5.

Te Ahukaramū, C.R. (2012). First peoples in Māori tradition - Kupe: Te Ara - the encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/first-peoples-in-maori-tradition/page-6.

Walker, R. (1995). Immigration policy and the political economy of New Zealand. In S.W. Grief (Ed.). Immigration and national identity in New Zealand: One people, two peoples, many peoples? Palmerston North, New Zealand: The Dunmore Press Ltd.

Introduction.

Is immigration a current issue in early childhood education?

I have visited abroad only three times so far and have very few opportunities to get an unbiased outsiders view of Aotearoa New Zealand. What would motivate people to move here and stay; would their reality match the hopes and dreams?

I am blessed to live within a suburb which prides itself in its diversity. Many of the families here have immigrated here within the last three generations. Despite its low socio-economic reputation there is a groundswell of enthusiasm towards living well within the current environment. Flaxmere is beginning have a more settled feel to it.

Is the immigration experience similar for the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand? How has immigration impacted on the youngest people across Aotearoa New Zealand?

Welcome to my blog, which will consider the social impact of immigration. At the beginning of this voyage I have an unbounded curiosity for exploring this social issue. Feel free to comment or query any of the material presented here.