South African immigrants in New Zealand : towards an ecomodel of assessment and intervention

Abstract

The literature on immigration divides migrants into two distinct categories: immigrants who voluntarily leave their home countries in search of better opportunities, and refugees who are forced to leave because their lives or personal freedom is under threat. However, since many South Africans have emigrated (and continue to do so) because of fears for their safety as a result of the high levels of crime and violence in the country, they could be regarded as "reluctant immigrants" or "anticipatory refugees" (Kunz, cited in Khawaja & Mason, 2008, p. 228). In 2013, South Africans were in the top five source countries for immigrants to New Zealand (Statistics New Zealand, 2013), but they had been the focus of only a few research studies (Meares, 2007, p. 49). A possible reason for this lack of research is the fact that most South Africans are fluent enough in English, are usually able to find employment, and because of cultural and religious similarities, can be integrated with greater ease into New Zealand society (Meares, 2007). Hence researchers probably assume that the settlement experience of South African immigrants in New Zealand is similar to that of skilled immigrants from countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America. This qualitative study sought to explore the immigration journeys of nine South African families living in Wellington, New Zealand, by conducting autobiographical narrative interviews. The goal was to understand their experiences and the outcomes of emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand. The research aimed to describe adaptation across the pre- and post-migration phases and the factors that impacted on the immigration process, as well as acculturation stress, coping strategies and the support systems utilised. Thematic network analysis was used to extract common themes across participant narratives to develop ecomodels for assessment and intervention with South African immigrants in New Zealand. The results of this study confirmed that despite similarities between the two countries, South African immigrants in New Zealand experienced considerable adaptation difficulties. Women, adolescents and older adults were at particular risk of developing psychological problems, such as chronic depression. Additional risk factors were pre-migration trauma, family conflict, emigrating with a visitor's visa, unrealistic expectations, underemployment and financial hardship, marital discord, loneliness and alienation from New Zealand society. Important protective factors were commitment to the immigration process, thorough premigration planning and adequate support upon arrival, equitable employment and financial growth, family cohesion, religious beliefs, a positive mindset, fortitude, a sense of humour, family reunification and social connectedness in New Zealand society. It was recommended that the South African settled community fulfil an active role in supporting newcomers, and that New Zealand policy makers establish systems to foster multiculturalism in New Zealand.