NZ Ministry orders immigration research project

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Science has commissioned a large scale research project into the effects of New Zealand immigration on Auckland, the country’s largest city. The study will cost NZ$800,000 (£410,000), and will be led by Professor Paul Spoonley of Massey University. Professor Spoonley says the country is currently undergoing a massive population change due to New Zealand immigration, aging citizens and community development. ‘The last two decades have seen some major changes to New Zealand’s demography’, said Professor Spoonley. ‘Including the effect of immigration on cultural diversity and historic high levels of emigration and these will combine population aging in the coming decade to produce further changes. ‘It is important that we understand these changes and how they impact on matters such as employment and economic or population growth in particular regions and cities.’ The study, titled Nga Tangata Oho Mairangi, will look at the regional and economic impacts immigration has had on Auckland and other regions between 1986 and 2013 and will contain predictions on future demographic changes to 2036. Data will be garnered from households, employers and secondary school pupils concerning their feelings toward the current and changing demographics of the country. It is expected that the study will  take up to two years and could influence future New Zealand visa and immigration policy.