Hutt attracts a diverse migrant community

We’ve helped 465 people from 56 countries settle in the Hutt Valley in the 12 months to June 2011. Most new migrants have come from China, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Settlement support officer Vera Xu says people most often get in touch to learn more about daily life in New Zealand like how banks operate, how to buy a house or how schooling works in New Zealand.

“We help people who’ve been in the country for just one day or one year or more.“

Many people also ask about learning English and how the job market works.

“A lot of people we help don’t realise it’s all free.”

Vera says the best part of her job is meeting new people and knowing you’ve made a difference.

“Sometimes we get some challenging questions and we’re always able to answer them after a bit of research.”

Quick stats on new migrants we’ve helped

• 30% came to fill skill shortages
• 18% came here to reunite with their families
• 17% were work permit holders
• 7% are international students
• 4% are refugees
• Most new migrants have come from China, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and South Africa.

 

Find out more about what Hutt Valley Settlement support offers.