2. Context. 2.1 Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty: a Brief Profile TAURANGA CITY

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1 2. Context 2.1 Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty: a Brief Profile The Bay of Plenty is aptly named it has a great deal to offer its residents and has attracted new settlers since they first arrived on New Zealand s shores. The first Māori arrivals were drawn to the area for many reasons, including the bountiful food supply afforded by the region s gentle climate, fertile soil and easy access to the coast. Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty District are separate territorial local authorities (TLAs) and make up a sub-region within the wider Bay of Plenty region (North Island). This sub-region stretches around the arc of coastline from Waihi Beach to Otamarakau, with Tauranga nestled in the middle, and is often referred to by locals collectively as the Western Bay. TAURANGA CITY Tauranga City is built on a picturesque peninsular at the head of a large harbour and is protected by Matakana Island (the name Tauranga means sheltered waters in Māori). Tauranga is a valued recreational haven and one of New Zealand s most popular holiday destinations the population swells with holiday makers during the summer months. The 232 metre high Mount Maunganui (Mauao) dominates the city s landscape and stands astride one of New Zealand s best known beaches. Tauranga is a thriving city and the economic and social hub of the area. The Port of Tauranga is currently New Zealand s busiest export port, experiencing brisk but seasonal shipping traffic. It is a regular stop-off for both container ships and luxury cruise liners. For many years Tauranga has attracted considerable numbers of retirees, and older residents remain a visible presence and a strong voice within the city. However, it is important to acknowledge that the demographic profile of Tauranga has undergone considerable change (over the last 10 years in particular) and there is now substantial growth in the younger sectors of the population, and the city has a more diverse ethnic profile. 4

2 These changes in the demographic mix have been accompanied by significant growth in the city s total population in recent years. Managing this growth and the consequent impact on services and development has been a strong focus of the city and the Western Bay sub-region (see SmartGrowth information below). With a current estimated population of 112,500 it is the fifth largest city in New Zealand; however there is an expectation that within the next five years it will be the fourth largest city. The attraction of the city remains strong, and the population of Tauranga is expected to double by THE WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY DISTRICT The Western Bay of Plenty District is predominantly rural and covers approximately 212,000 hectares, extending approximately 90 kilometres along the coastline from Waihi in the north to Te Puke in the south and about 32 kilometres inland to the rugged, bush-covered Kaimai Ranges. The sunny climate and moderate rainfall have made the Western Bay of Plenty District one of New Zealand s most productive horticultural areas. Approximately one-quarter of New Zealand s horticultural land is located in the district around the main townships of Te Puke and Katikati. Katikati (with a population of 3579 at the 2006 Census) is 27 kilometres northeast of Tauranga and acts as a key service centre for the surrounding rural communities. Te Puke (34 kilometres southeast of Tauranga) is larger, with a population of 6770, and is nationally renowned as the focal point of the local kiwifruit industry. 4 These industries are highly reliant on seasonal migrant workers from many different countries, including several neighbouring Pacific nations. Figures from July 2008 show that 3000 offshore workers were needed for seasonal work in the kiwifruit industry (out of a total of 8600). There are also a number of dairy farm operations in the area that regularly employ migrant workers from a range of countries. These workers are also considered to be an essential part of the dairy workforce, required to meet identified skill shortages in the industry. The district s population is expected to grow by 19.7% between 2009 and The district remains among the higher growth areas in the country (14th fastest compared with other territorial authorities). The majority of this growth is due to people moving into the district from other parts of the country. This growth trend is anticipated to continue over the next 20 years, with the district s population projected to increase from 42,075 in 2006 to over 60,000 by A brief profile of the New Zealand kiwifruit industry is attached as Appendix 3. 5 Western Bay of Plenty District Council Long Term Plan ( ) 5

3 LINKED ECONOMIES The Western Bay of Plenty Sub-Region For some purposes it is useful to look at these two territorial authorities together as the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region. Certainly local council and planning agencies work closely together to address a range of issues for residents across the sub-region. The economies of the Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City are closely intertwined the primary industries of the Western Bay of Plenty provide exports and food for the sub-region while the city s economy provides the majority of retail, manufacturing, health and social services. The horticulture, agriculture, tourism, marine and food sectors form the basis of the sub-region s economy. In recent years the accelerating population growth and accompanying economic development has fueled strong construction demand and activity and consequent employment opportunities. There is some evidence that this growth has been slowed by the global economic recession; however, growth management remains one of the most fundamental challenges facing the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region. The area continues to grow at an extraordinary rate. For example, every week 6 : 135 people arrive from other places 66 people leave the area 30 new houses are built 60 more vehicles go on the road 51 new jobs are created. SmartGrowth a local initiative The SmartGrowth initiative was established in response to the accelerating rates of growth in the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region, predictions that these were set to continue and a concern to ensure that as the area grows it continues to be a great place to live, work and play. SmartGrowth is a collaborative project led by the Tauranga City Council, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Environment Bay of Plenty and tangata whenua on behalf of the community. It involves developing and implementing a 50-year plan to manage growth in the Western Bay of Plenty so that environmental, social and economic goals for the whole district can be achieved in a sustainable way. 6 Information from the Smart Growth Strategy 2007 ( 6

4 2.2 Key Demographics The following information is largely derived from the 2006 Census. It is important to acknowledge that some change has inevitably taken place since the time of this data collection. POPULATION The resident population of Tauranga City was 103,640 in 2006, with a further 42,075 residents in the Western Bay of Plenty District (together making up almost 4% of New Zealand s total population). Tauranga s population grew by 17% between 1996 and 2001 and then a further 14% between 2001 and The Western Bay of Plenty District s population grew by 10% between 2001 and 2006, following a 9% increase over the previous five years. The populations of both Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty District are expected to increase steadily over the next two decades, with significant growth expected in Tauranga. Local projections predict that the city s population will have doubled by The Western Bay of Plenty District s population is also projected to rise steadily, from 42,075 in 2006 to over 60,000 by ETHNIC MIX Tauranga City has seen a changing ethnic mix in its population over time, as has the country as a whole. In the 15 years between 1991 and 2006, the city recorded a relatively stable proportion of its population identifying as European but an increase in the proportions identifying with other ethnicities. Māori increased from 13% to 16% of the population, Asian ethnic groups more than trebled in proportion from a little under 1% to just over 3%, Pacific Peoples increased their representation from 1% to almost 2%, and other smaller ethnic groups quadrupled in proportion, increasing to just under 0.5% of the city s residents. Source: Census of Population and Dwellings 7 SmartGrowth data (which assumes higher rates of growth than data from Statistics New Zealand). 7

5 A similar pattern was evident in the Western Bay of Plenty District. The proportion of residents identifying as European remained quite stable over time, while Māori rose slightly from 16% in 1991 to 18% in 1996 and then back to 17% in 2001 and While the overall representation of other ethnic groups was low in 2006, considerable growth was evident compared with 15 years earlier. Asian ethnic groups quadrupled in proportion from well under 1% of residents in 1991 to just under 3% in 2006, and Pacific peoples increased from less than 1% to almost 2%. Source: Census of Population and Dwellings Despite these increases both Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty District exhibited less ethnic diversity than the country as a whole. People of Asian ethnicity numbered 3440 in Tauranga and 980 in the Western Bay of Plenty (3% and 2% of the resident population respectively compared with 9% across New Zealand). Pacific people numbered 1840 in Tauranga and 720 in the Western Bay of Plenty (2% of residents in both areas compared with 7% nationally). People belonging to other ethnic groups numbered almost 400 in Tauranga and around 75 in the Western Bay of Plenty (less than 0.5% in both areas compared with 1% nationally). 8

6 Source: Census of Population and Dwellings, 2006 OVERSEAS BORN In 2006, 15% of the population of the wider Bay of Plenty Region 8 was born overseas, up from 12% in 1996 and 13% in That gave the region the eighth highest proportion of overseas born in 2006, out of 16 regions in the country. Source: Census of Population and Dwellings Within the region, Tauranga City boasted a higher 17% of residents born overseas in 2006 up from 13% in 1996 and 14% in The Western Bay of Plenty District reported the regional average of 15% of residents born overseas in 2006 up from 11% in 1996 and 13% in Across the country as a whole, 23% of the resident population in 2006 was overseas born (although that figure was boosted by Auckland Region s very large 37%). 8 The Bay of Plenty region stretches from the base of the Coromandel peninsula in the west to Cape Runaway in the East. The region is bound by the Kaimai and Mamaku ranges in the west and extends inland to the sparsely populated forestlands around Rotorua, Kawerau and Murupara. Cites and towns in the region include Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane, Kawerau, Te Puke, Opotiki and Katikati. 9

7 AGE OF OVERSEAS BORN Source: Census of Population and Dwellings The age structure of the overseas-born population in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty differs in several respects from nationally. In 2006, the proportion of overseas born under the age of 15 was similar both locally and nationally (12% in Tauranga, 13% in the Western Bay of Plenty and 11% across the country). However, from age 15, there were marked differences. Young overseas-born adults were under-represented in the populations of both the city and the district, with year olds making up just 15% of all overseas-born residents in Tauranga, and an even smaller 13% in the Western Bay of Plenty compared with 22% nationally. While young adults were under-represented in both territorial authorities overseas-born populations, the opposite was true at the other end of the age spectrum. A comparatively large 30% of the overseas born in Tauranga and 28% in the Western Bay of Plenty were aged 60 or over, while the equivalent proportion across New Zealand as a whole was just 19%. This no doubt reflects the general population of both districts, which each have significant numbers of older residents and retirees. BIRTHPLACE Across New Zealand, the UK and Ireland just surpassed Asia in 2006 as the country s most common overseas birthplace (both accounting for 7% of residents). In Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, however, UK/Irish-born individuals far outnumbered those born in any other part of the world (around 7780 in Tauranga or 8% of residents, and 2910 in the Western Bay of Plenty or 7%). People born in Asia numbered around 2530 and 790 respectively, accounting for just 3% of the city s population and 2% of the Western Bay of Plenty District s population. The Pacific Islands were the birthplace of 680 Tauranga residents and 340 Western Bay of Plenty residents (1% of each territorial authority s population compared with 4% nationally). 10

8 Source: Census of Population and Dwellings RESIDENTIAL LOCATION In 2006, the Tauranga area units with the largest numbers of overseas-born residents were: Matua (950), Hairini (810), Te Maunga and Tauranga South (760 each), Brookfield (730), Arataki (700) and Bethlehem East (690). People born in Asia were concentrated in Brookfield (160), Tauranga South (150), Greerton (130), Bethlehem East, Gravatt and Arataki (120 each), and Gate Pa and Hairini (110 each), while the largest numbers of Pacific Island born people lived in Gate Pa (70), Greerton (50), and Tauranga South, Arataki and Yatton Park (40 each). In 2006, the largest numbers of the Western Bay of Plenty s overseas-born residents were recorded in Katikati Community (840), Minden (760), Kaimai (720) and Te Puke East (690). Asian-born people were most numerous in Te Puke West (200), Te Puke East (180) and Katikati Community (170), while those born in the Pacific Islands were most likely to reside in Te Puke East (110), Katikati Community (70) and Te Puke West (50). YEARS SINCE ARRIVAL IN NEW ZEALAND The length-of-residence pattern of the overseas born in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty is different from New Zealand as a whole. Immigrants are less likely than nationally to be recent arrivals, with 42% of both Tauranga s and the Western Bay of Plenty s overseas born having lived in New Zealand less than 10 years (49% nationally). Conversely, they were more likely than nationally to have been in New Zealand for several decades (37% of overseas-born residents in Tauranga and 36% in the Western Bay of Plenty had been living in New Zealand for 30 years or more compared with 25% nationwide). This is most likely due to the higher proportion of British migrants living in both territorial authorities, who tend to have been in New Zealand for longer. 11

9 Source: Census of Population and Dwellings RECENT ARRIVALS In 2006, Tauranga City had around: 1270 residents who had been in the country less than a year (including 280 born in Asia and 50 people born in the Pacific Islands) 930 who had been in New Zealand for one year (including 140 born in Asia and 30 born in the Pacific Islands) 910 resident in the country for two years (including 220 born in Asia and 20 born in the Pacific Islands) 830 who had been here three years (including 225 born in Asia and 30 born in the Pacific Islands) 720 resident for four years (including 210 born in Asia and 20 born in the Pacific Islands). In 2006, the Western Bay of Plenty District recorded around: 400 residents who had been in the country less than a year (including 75 born in Asia and 50 people born in the Pacific Islands) 340 who had been in New Zealand for one year (including 50 born in Asia and around 10 born in the Pacific Islands) 340 resident in the country for two years (including 80 born in Asia and around 10 born in the Pacific Islands) 340 who had been here three years (including 80 born in Asia and fewer than 10 born in the Pacific Islands) 250 resident for four years (including 70 born in Asia and 20 born in the Pacific Islands). 12

10 LANGUAGE The 2006 Census showed that around 1% of the population in both Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty was able to speak each of French, Dutch and German. In addition, 1% of Western Bay of Plenty residents were able to speak Samoan. In 2006, 79% of overseas-born Chinese people in both Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty assessed themselves as able to have a conversation in English about a lot of everyday things the same figure as nationally. Among overseas-born people of Indian ethnicity, 76% in Tauranga and 64% in Western Bay of Plenty said they could speak English much smaller proportions than the 91% nationwide. 9 At 80%, 96% and 86% respectively, the proportions of Tauranga City s overseas-born Samoan, Cook Islands Māori and Tongan people who described themselves as able to speak English were similar to nationally. In the Western Bay of Plenty, however, a different situation existed in 2006, with just under half the overseas-born Samoan population and almost all the overseas-born Cook Islands Māori and Tongan residents able to speak English. Overall, Tauranga s overseas-born Pacific people were slightly more likely than nationally to be able to speak English (91% compared with 85% nationwide). The opposite was true in the Western Bay of Plenty, with 78% of the district s overseas-born Pacific people able to speak English. RELIGION Trends in religious affiliation in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty are similar to those experienced nationally. In the 10 years between 1996 and 2006, the majority of people affiliated with Christian religions but the proportion dropped between censuses. Conversely, the proportions giving the next largest response (no religion) rose over that time. In general, the proportions affiliating to other religions also rose slightly over the 10 years. In 2006, around 1% of the population in both Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty described themselves as Buddhist or Hindu. 10 However, religious affiliation varied markedly by ethnic group. In Tauranga in 2006, the most numerous responses to the religion question by people who identified as Chinese were: no religion (53%), Christian (27%) and Buddhist (13%). In contrast, the largest proportion of Indian people in the city (48%) identified as belonging to a faith other than Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam. One-third (33%) identified as Hindu. The situation was very different for Pacific peoples, the majority of whom were Christian. In Tauranga, the 2006 Census recorded 57% of Samoan people, 47% of Cook Islands Māori and 75% of Tongan people identifying as Christian. 9 These figures may not necessarily indicate a complete lack of English. Ability to speak a language is self-assessed in the Census. The question asked about the ability to have a conversation about a lot of everyday things. Some people may have assessed their ability more harshly than others and some may have forgotten to tick English when answering the question. 10 These figures by ethnic group include people born in New Zealand. 13

11 In the Western Bay of Plenty District, 43% of people who identified as Chinese had no religion, 30% were Christian and 19% were Buddhist. Among the larger Indian population in the district, 61% affiliated with other religions, 26% with Hinduism and just 7% with the Christian faith. As in Tauranga City, the majority of Pacific Peoples in the Western Bay of Plenty District identified as Christian. This included 76% of Samoan residents, 84% of Tongans and 55% of Cook Islands Māori. QUALIFICATIONS Across the country, people born overseas are generally more highly qualified than the population as a whole. In 2006, 24% of the overseas-born population aged 15 years and over had a university qualification (a Bachelor s degree or post-graduate qualification). In comparison, just 13% of people born in New Zealand had that level of qualification. Source: Census of Population and Dwellings, 2006 The overseas-born population of both Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty is generally less highly qualified than the overseas born across the country. In 2006, 17% of the overseas born aged 15 years or over in Tauranga and 18% in the Western Bay of Plenty had no qualifications (16% nationally). The proportion with school qualifications as their highest level of educational attainment was 38% across New Zealand as a whole and 37% in both Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Both the city and the district had a larger proportion with post-school certificates or diplomas as their highest educational attainment (29% each compared with 22% nationally). Bachelor s degrees were the highest qualifications of 11% of the overseas born in Tauranga and 10% in the Western Bay of Plenty (15% nationwide), while a further 6% in each territorial authority had post-graduate qualifications, compared with 8% nationwide. New Zealand residents who were born in Asia are more likely than average to be university educated (31% across New Zealand, 23% in Tauranga and 18% in the Western 14

12 Bay of Plenty). University qualifications were comparatively scarce among people born in the Pacific Islands. In 2006, one-third (33%) of New Zealand residents born in the Pacific Islands had no educational qualifications, while 8% had Bachelor s degrees or post-graduate qualifications. In Tauranga, the proportions were 29% of Pacific Islandsborn with no qualifications and 9% university qualified, while in the Western Bay of Plenty, 30% had no qualifications and just 4% were university qualified. LABOUR FORCE STATUS In Tauranga, overseas-born people aged 15 and over were less likely to be in the labour force in 2006 than New Zealand born (57% compared with 66% of New Zealand born). The same was true in the Western Bay of Plenty (62% versus 69%) and nationally (64% compared with 71%). In 2006, 41% of Tauranga s overseas born were employed full time, 14% were employed part time, and 3% were unemployed. In the Western Bay of Plenty, 43% of adults born overseas were employed full time, 16% were working part time, and 3% were unemployed. In 2006, 41% of Tauranga s adult residents born in Asia and aged 15 or over were not in the labour force (similar to the 40% nationally). In contrast, the proportion in the Western Bay of Plenty was 34%. Of the people born in the Pacific Islands and resident in Tauranga, 36% were not in the labour force, compared with 38% in the Western Bay of Plenty and 35% nationally. OCCUPATION Employed overseas-born adult residents of Tauranga City are more likely than New Zealand born to be working in professional occupations (23% in 2006 compared with 17% of New Zealand born). A smaller proportion of overseas born than New Zealand born residents worked as machinery operators and drivers (4% compared with 6%), but there was little difference between the two groups across all other types of occupation. Source: Census of Population and Dwellings,

13 A similar situation existed in the Western Bay of Plenty. Around 19% of the district s overseas born worked in professional occupations compared with 13% of New Zealand born, and 3% of overseas born worked as machinery operators and drivers compared with 6% of New Zealand born. As in Tauranga City, there was little difference between the two groups across all other types of occupation. Source: Census of Population and Dwellings, 2006 In 2006, labouring occupations were the most common among Asian-born people in Tauranga (27% of employed Asian born), followed by managerial and professional occupations (20% and 16% respectively). This was a different situation from nationally, where Asian-born residents were most likely to work as professionals (21%) and managers (16%). Tauranga residents born in the Pacific Islands were also most likely to be in labouring occupations (23% compared with 21% nationally). At 16%, managerial occupations were the second most common among Pacific Island born living in the city twice the national proportion. In the Western Bay of Plenty in 2006, the most common occupations for Asian-born residents were labouring (43%), managerial (26%) and professional (10%). Pacific Islands-born residents were also most likely to work as labourers (45%) and managers (17%), with community and personal services work taking third place (9%). PERSONAL INCOME In general, people born overseas earn less than those born in New Zealand. At the 2006 Census, 50% of both Tauranga s and the Western Bay of Plenty s overseas-born adults had incomes of $20,000 or less, compared with 43% and 44% respectively of New Zealand born. Nationally in 2006, 48% of all overseas-born people in the country received $20,000 or less compared with 41% of New Zealand born. People born in Asia are more likely to be in the lower income brackets than all overseas-born people, possibly because they include higher proportions of recent immigrants and higher proportions of tertiary students. In 2006, 64% of Asian-born people in Tauranga and 66% of Asian born in the Western Bay of Plenty had incomes of $20,000 or less (61% nationally). Among people 16

14 born in the Pacific Islands, 51% in Tauranga and 55% in the Western Bay of Plenty had incomes of this level (48% nationally). At the other end of the income range, overseas-born residents of both Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty were slightly less likely than New Zealand-born to have incomes over $50,000. Around 14% of each territorial authority s residents born overseas had incomes of that level compared with 16% of New Zealand born. In Tauranga, incomes over $50,000 were comparatively more common among people born in the Pacific Islands (12%) than those born in Asia (7%). The two proportions were closer in the Western Bay of Plenty (6% of Pacific Island born and 5% of Asian born). Highlights In Tauranga City in 2006: 11 17% of residents were born overseas almost one-third of overseas-born residents were aged most newcomers were from the UK/Ireland, with increasing numbers from Asia almost half of the overseas-born residents had been here less than 10 years 37% of those born overseas had been here for 30+ years Māori made up close to 16% of the city s population the city s total population had increased significantly over the previous 10 years. In addition: there is a significant and growing range of churches and other places of worship to cater to the diverse spiritual needs of ethnic communities there are growing numbers of international students and their guardian parents, many from Korea (who are not always captured by the Census) 13 the population is expected to double by 2051 (with migrants making an increasing contribution to population numbers). In the Western Bay of Plenty District in 2006: 11 15% of residents were born overseas 28% of those born overseas were aged % of the overseas-born residents had been here less than 10 years Māori made up 17% of the district s population. In addition: there are constant waves of migrant seasonal workers in the district (who are not always captured by the Census) the district s population is expected to reach 60,000 by Information from the 2006 Census. 12 A category in the Census. 13 Resident data does not include anyone who has been in New Zealand for less than 12 months. 17

15 2.3 Migrant Services in Tauranga and the Western Bay Of Plenty KEY SERVICES i. Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ) Settlement Support Coordinators are located in 19 different regions throughout the country to ensure newcomers know where to go to get local information and support that will help them settle in New Zealand. This may include helping newcomers to access local websites, information brochures, a local phone number, or a face-to-face service provider whatever works best in the local area, and whatever works best for the migrant or refugee. The Settlement Support Coordinator in Tauranga is based at the YMCA and provides a wide range of support and information around issues such as housing, safety, health, immigration and English communication. This includes a local website and booklet outlining the key services and information about the area, a regular newsletter and ongoing orientation workshops and seminars on relevant topics. The Coordinator also works closely with a range of other agencies and individuals in the community to improve services for newcomers. The Department of Labour is responsible for implementing and coordinating the Settlement Support New Zealand initiatives. ii Tauranga Regional Multicultural Council The Tauranga Regional Multicultural Council (TRMC) 14 is affiliated to the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils and has a particular role in providing a range of services to support migrants, refugees and members of ethnic communities within the region. The TRMC is administered by volunteers and provides an essential social connection for those who wish to access their services. The aims of the TRMC are: to promote and protect the interests of the many different groups that make Tauranga a multicultural region, and New Zealand a multicultural society to promote and maintain unity and share experiences and friendship among members and other communities in New Zealand to protect the ethnic groups against racist behaviour to enable the ethnic groups to give each other mutual support and strength to deal with issues which affect them to raise consciousness among ethnic groups of the special status of the Māori people as tangata whenua and their special rights under the Treaty of Waitangi. 14 Formerly known as the Tauranga Regional Ethnic Council (TREC). 18

16 The TRMC has a Multicultural Centre where people can come together casually or for group activities and workshops, including language classes, learning about other cultures and social opportunities. The TRMC has a website with a range of local information and links to other useful websites such as the Human Rights Commission, the local councils and Settlement Support Tauranga. iii. ESOL / Language Services There are a number of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and language service providers operating in Tauranga and the Western Bay, although there is a perception that they are insufficient to meet present needs. Current service providers include: English Language Partners (Literacy & Language BOP), which provides a free home tutor service, free group classes, English for pre-paid migrants and a new English for Employees programme that is at no cost to the employee two private English Language Schools a range of courses offered by the English Language Department at the Waikato University campus in Tauranga school-based ESOL providers a range of conversational English classes are available at local churches and at night classes through local colleges. SUPPORTING AGENCIES Office of Ethnic Affairs (based in Hamilton) New Zealand Police Housing New Zealand Corporation Tauranga City Council Western Bay of Plenty District Council Priority One (local economic development agency) Public Health Services Volunteer Western Bay of Plenty Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Relationship Services (Relating Well in New Zealand courses) Family Works Wesley Methodist Church Tauranga Safe City A range of local churches offering support and services to migrants including: Holy Trinity Tauranga Anglican Church, Te Puke Baptist Church, Te Puke Anglican Church, Otumoetai Baptist Church 19

17 SERVICE GAPS Community consultation has identified a number of gaps in relation to services for migrants in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Locals commonly felt that resourcing for social services generally has not been able to keep up with the rapid population growth in recent years. Some service providers also believe that perceptions about Tauranga as an affluent haven for wealthy retirees is a distortion and does not take account of the increasing levels of disadvantage in some communities, and that this can inhibit the allocation of resources to the city. The critical issues for migrants are around insufficient ESOL provision and interpreting services, unaffordable housing for those on low incomes, barriers to employment and limited socialisation opportunities for the elderly. It is also apparent that some of the very good migrant services that already exist in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty are not always known about by local newcomers. There is a need to increase the visibility and promotion of these services to ensure maximum reach to migrants and other target audiences. The following specific service gaps have also been identified: a lack of central government services no Newcomers Network. i. Lack of Central Government Services Based in Tauranga For a city the size of Tauranga, there are very few central government services available locally. Most key government services for the wider Bay of Plenty region are based in either Rotorua or Hamilton. This can be problematic for residents who may have to travel some distance to have any face-to-face interaction with government officials. For migrants the lack of any local immigration office or facilities causes them considerable frustration and a range of issues have been highlighted in this report. As the closest office is in Hamilton, anyone who wishes to have personal contact needs to drive or catch a bus there; otherwise they need to ring the 0800 number, which can be daunting, especially for those with minimal English language. ii. No Newcomers Network There are currently seven Newcomers Networks across New Zealand and a fledgling national organisation underway. These networks have become extremely important for their localities they provide a sustainable mechanism for newcomers to meet, to share stories, to socialise and to connect with their new kiwi communities. Part of their success is that they are usually run by newcomers themselves, with outside support from a range of sources. Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty did not have a Newcomers Network at the beginning of this Settling In project; however, one is now in development and should be operational by the time that this report is launched. Note, however, that a number of other networks are operating successfully in the area, including the Women s International Network Group Supports (WINGS) as well as the networking opportunities and regular activities available through Settlement Support New Zealand. 20

18 WHAT IS A NEWCOMERS NETWORK? ( Newcomers Networks are local social networks designed to help anyone new to settle in their new community, including immigrants and newcomers from other parts of New Zealand. They provide a user-friendly means by which newcomers can quickly tap into local activities and meet up with others who are also new to the area. Anyone is welcome to join regardless of age, nationality or language spoken. Once someone has registered they will be kept informed about local events, new initiatives and anything else of interest. The Newcomers Networks are currently supported and managed nationally by Family and Community Services (MSD). 21

19 2.4 Common Ground Community Outcomes and Newcomer Aspirations Both the Tauranga City Council and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council facilitate consultation processes within their respective communities to find out what things are most important to people and to develop community outcomes around these. These outcomes belong to the community and they are for everyone organisations, groups and individuals to work towards. It is interesting to highlight these community outcomes within the context of this report, as there is a high level of intersection and alignment between these wider community priorities and the issues raised by refugees and migrants. Accordingly it will be important to link any ongoing Settling In work with existing or new initiatives that support the achievement of the community outcomes. Tauranga City Community Outcomes The community outcomes developed for Tauranga City focus on achieving the following: Easy to move around Predictable travel times Efficient use of our road network The transport needs of business are met People get where they want to safely by public transport, walking and cycling Residential streets that are mainly for people People are moving around safely The ways we move around are environmentally sustainable Built to fit our hills, harbour and coast A city of neighbourhoods nestled in the landscape Existing neighbourhoods are reinforced and new neighbourhoods are sustainable Strongly connected open spaces within and between neighbourhood and business areas Creative new heritage buildings through excellent architecture and design Ensure a variety and choice of housing type and intensity Tauranga s city centre is a strong central hub or heart for the city A clean, green, valued environment Our landscape reflects our sense of place, mauri and identity Our natural and created environment is protected, maintained and enhanced as Tauranga continues to develop and grow 22

20 A place where natural ecological processes and indigenous habitats and species can flourish A place where people can experience nature The harbour, foreshore and waterways are clean and healthy and support compatible cultural, social, economic and recreational opportunities Vibrant, healthy and diverse communities A city that people love and are proud to live in and call their own A pulsing city where diversity and success are celebrated A place where people work together to make a positive difference An attractive city full of life, opportunities and activities A safe healthy city Healthy active people involved in their community Actively involved people Leaders working together A place where leaders are developed A community that knows, has confidence in and supports its leaders People have easy access to knowledge, information and resources A strong city identity Strong and sustainable economy Value-added and export-orientated innovation and entrepreneurship Sun, sea, soil and people skills delivering a high quality of life High-quality, competitively priced business environment Skilled, enterprising and flexible education Highly connected networked economy Living well, wasting less We live, work and play in an energy-efficient environment We live, work and play in a resource-efficient environment A great place to grow up Young people feel this is their community a place where they belong Young people live in a safe and supportive community Young people feel they are valued, listened to and respected Education and career opportunities are attractive to young people There are many recreation and lifestyle opportunities on offer that are well used by young people 23

21 Western Bay of Plenty District Community Outcomes The community outcomes developed for the Western Bay of Plenty look towards a future where: We can all enjoy a healthy and safe lifestyle Our communities are vibrant and welcoming Leaders are effective, informed and inclusive Our environment is clean, green and valued Our economy is thriving 24

22 2.5 A Sample of Nationalities Represented within the Western Bay of Plenty Sub-region 15 Newcomers to New Zealand in Tauranga/Western BOP Region Greerton / Welcome Bay / Kaimai Afghanistan, USA, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Britain, Greece, Russia, UK, Bangladesh, Filipino, Singapore, Guernsey, Italy, Tonga, China, Malaysia, Cook Islands, Indonesia, Netherlands Antilles, Switzerland, Syria, Hungary, Ireland, PNG, Cyprus, Fiji, France, India, Pakistan, Iran/Persia, Iraq, Ireland, Korea, East Timor, Spain, South Africa, Canada, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Germany, Western Samoa, Wales, Philippines, Ireland Te Puna / Omokoroa / Katikati / Waihi Beach Australia, Britain, Bermuda, Canada, Cook Islands, Fiji, Philippines, India, Netherlands, Indonesia, UK, Pakistan, Japan, Cambodia, Hungary, Mauritius, South African, Yugoslavia, Germany, Namibia, Ireland, Poland, Sri Lanka, Tonga Tauranga / Brookfield / Bethlehem / Otumoetai / Matua Africa, Zimbabwe, USA, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, UK, India, Canada, Bermuda, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Cook Islands, Netherlands, Ecuador, Egypt, Fiji, Philippines, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Korea, Belgium, Nepal, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Singapore, Nigeria, Iraq, Iran, France, Namibia, Sweden, Poland, Tonga, Thailand, Brazil, Switzerland, Taiwan, Chile Te Puke / Maketu / Paeangaroa Thailand, Australia, UK, Canada, China, Cook Islands, Netherlands, India, Yemen, Kiribati, Nepal, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Australia, South Africa, Philippines, USA, Jersey, Norway, Sweden, Samoa, Switzerland, Tonga, Thailand, Brazil, Russia Mount Maunganui / Papamoa Namibia, USA, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, UK, Canada, China, Cook Islands, Netherlands, Egypt, Fiji, Philippines, China, India, Pakistan, France, Ireland, Kiribati, Isle of Man, Morocco, Malaysia, Samoa, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Poland, Somalia, Italy, Turks and Caicos, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Russia, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Tonga, Pakistan, Turkey, Greece, TuvalTu 15 Developed and provided by Tauranga Settlement Support New Zealand. 25