Migrant women

Over the last 10 years, net migration has accounted for around a third of New Zealand’s population growth.

Migrants in New Zealand come from a wider range of countries and in greater numbers than in previous times, so the ethnic diversity of females in New Zealand has increased markedly.

In 2001, almost a quarter of New Zealand’s females were born overseas, mostly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Asia, or the Pacific Islands.

Many women have migrated to New Zealand, but some have sought refuge from countries in civil and military conflict. New Zealand has an annual refugee quota of 750 places, 75 of which are reserved for women at high risk of sexual violence. New Zealand also accepts people seeking asylum as refugees. Most arrive and stay in Auckland.

Migrant and refugee women come from a range of different cultures and backgrounds but face many similar challenges in New Zealand. They may find settling into a new country, maintaining their cultural identity, finding a job, and becoming familiar with housing, education and health services confusing and stressful. Refugee women may also have to deal with having had to leave family members in another country.

A major barrier to settling in New Zealand is having limited English language skills. This makes it harder for new migrants to participate in New Zealand’s paid workforce, a problem exacerbated the lack of recognition given to some overseas qualifications.

Stress, depression, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are common among migrant and refugee women, as are feeling alienated, unsafe and unsure about where to go for services and support. These factors can lead to migrant women being at high risk of social isolation and mental illness. 

Factors that affect their use of mental health services include the accessibility and appropriateness of services, the existence of alternative services, language barriers and the stigma associated with mental illness.