Info-seeking Behaviour of New Zealand Immigrations

Published 2007. Contact: Colleen Ward

Overview

This research project firstly aims to determine whether government and non-government information sources are effective at providing accurate, reliable, and useful information that is both timely and accessible for New Zealand immigrants.

Secondly, the project aims to determine whether the information available to New Zealand immigrants and their information behaviour influence their acculturation into New Zealand society.

Approach

A survey, commissioned by the Federation of Ethnic Councils, was distributed to current NZ immigrants from a variety of backgrounds. Responses were obtained from 93 individuals, 78 of which proved useable. Surveys were administered through local community organizations or in an online format (see p30).

Respondents hailed from a wide range of countries (see p35) and had immigrated on a variety of visa categories.

Overview

The majority of respondents indicated that overall they received enough official information before coming to New Zealand and that the information was mainly sourced from the internet, family and friends.

Unofficial information was also available via the internet, family, friends and community and ethnic organisations. For the majority of respondents official information was useful, accurate and up to date.

However, the respondents identified difficulties in locating information primarily related to employment, settlement and financial issues. The respondents also felt that more information on the lifestyle in New Zealand would have been of benefit.

Read the research "Nau mai haere mai ki Aotearoa: Information seeking behaviour of New Zealand immigrants" here.