NZ First’s Policy of Division: Turning Hatred of Migrants into Political Power
New Zealand First has announced what it describes as a programme of sweeping immigration reform. Its proposals include extending the period required for permanent residence from two to five years and for citizenship from five to ten years; excluding non-citizens from welfare assistance for their first ten years in New Zealand; removing automatic work rights […]
Assimilation, Immigration and the Search for Social Cohesion (What belonging should require of migrants, immigration policy and the wider community)
Immigration is moving towards the centre of New Zealand’s 2026 election debate. The language varies. Some politicians speak about social cohesion. Others say migrants must integrate, assimilate, share New Zealand values or become part of the national community. These words are often used as though their meaning were obvious. It is not. The problem is […]
The Colour of Risk: New Zealand’s Immigration System and the Ethnic Logic It Won’t Name
Nationality is how New Zealand’s immigration system talks about ethnicity. The data tells a different story. A familiar pattern plays out on migrant Facebook groups when people ask why they, or their family members, were declined visas to New Zealand. Most replies focus on policy clauses and technical requirements — often from immigration advisers and […]