Christchurch Migrant Expo 2006 Report
By Vanessa O’Brien 8th May 2006
Christchurch Town Hall recently hosted the city’s first Migrant Expo, a free event designed to help the international community learn about life as a new Kiwi.
The expo was aimed to help migrants, refugees, international students and visitors understand everyday things about New Zealand that Kiwis took for granted. The mysteries of education, health, employment, banking, and bio-security were unraveled by experts who held seminars and opened exhibits.
Social services and community groups addressed common issues that migrants struggled with, such as language, culture, and community. As well as addressing practical issues, the expo advised new Kiwis and potential New Zealanders there was help and support available for their transition.
Christchurch New Comers volunteer worker Margaret Sweet said helping migrants through the transition was essential. She said migrants wanted to embrace Kiwi culture, but language barriers and attitudes of locals sometimes made it difficult. New Zealanders were a reserved culture, and migrants sometimes perceived that to mean unfriendly.
Lucy Mwangi, 19, moved from Kenya to New Zealand only a month ago, and was struck by the economic and cultural differences. She said although most Kiwis were friendly, it was hard to get to know people. "Everything here is so different, especially the people. The people are very reserved. "She said the expo was great because it helped her understand more about her new country, and Kiwis in general."
For most migrants the positives far outweighed the negatives. Pat Phuangthong from Thailand was still waiting for her residency, but said that New Zealand was the best choice for her family’s future. "Education is very good, and the country is very nice. There are not too many people, and no pollution."
Ms Phuangthong looked forward to becoming a Kiwi, and had a keen understanding of what Kiwi culture was about. "My son Ham is already an All Blacks and Crusaders fan."
The expo was organized by Migrant News, which also ran similar events in all major New Zealand cities.