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This is not our New Zealand ... or is it?

pg 02

OPINION

By Louie Encabo In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks that hit two mosques in Christchurch on 15th March, the immediate reaction for many was to say “this is not our New Zealand”.

We were in disbelief that a heinous crime of this magnitude could ever occur here; New Zealand is a peaceful country.

For the most part that is true; our country is still among the most peaceful in the world – no one ever imagined that this tragedy could befall

WHEN STUDY OPTION FAILS

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THE ‘X’ FACTOR

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us, until it actually happened.

The Islamophobic, white supremacist attacks were reminiscent of the brutality of Anders Breivik’s massacre of Norwegian children in 2011.

It was also said at that time that such an attack was beneath Norway, that they too, were a peaceful country that no one could imagine an incident of that barbarity ever occurring in.

In two different locations similar grave acts of terrorism occurred. In both places the locals believed that such acts of terror were not pos-

sible – but yet, they happened.

Can we really say that both attacks were impossible, or have we merely been ignoring the warning signs?

The Christchurch terrorist was a white supremacist who believed that his actions were done to 'save' the 'white people' and he saw his victims as 'invaders' in his land. It was not apparent to him that as an Australian he himself was an alien in our land; a land that can only rightfully be claimed by the Tangata Whenua or the Maori people.

PINOYS MARCH AGAINST RACISM

pg 03

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OPINYON

By LOUIE ENCABO Filipino Journalist of the Year 2014 Filipino-Kiwi Hero Award In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks that hit two mosques in Christchurch on 15th March, the immediate reaction for many was to say “this is not our New Zealand”.

We were in disbelief that a heinous crime of this magnitude could ever occur here; New Zealand is a peaceful country.

For the most part that is true; our country is still among the most peaceful in the world – no one ever imagined that this tragedy could befall us, until it actually happened.

The Islamophobic, white supremacist attacks were reminiscent of the brutality of Anders Breivik’s massacre of Norwegian children in 2011. It was also said at that time that such an attack was beneath Norway, that they too, were a peaceful country that no one could imagine an incident of that barbarity ever occurring in.

In two different locations similar grave acts of terrorism occurred. In both places the locals believed that such acts of terror were not possible – but yet, they happened.

Can we really say that both attacks were impossible, or have we merely been ignoring the warning signs?

The Christchurch terrorist was a white supremacist who believed that his actions were done to 'save' the 'white people' and he saw his victims as 'invaders' in his land. It was not apparent to him that as an Australian he himself was an alien in our land; a land that can only rightfully be claimed by the Tangata Whenua or the Maori people.

“This is not our New Zealand” --- or is it?

While the person may have been alien to us, his ideology was not. White supremacists have existed in New Zealand for decades; skinhead gangs have always been rampant in Christchurch – we simply just accepted them as part and parcel of society.

When you ignore a problem and refuse to take decisive actions to tackle it you end up normalizing it instead.

We know that white supremacists are dangerous and that their message is hateful and wrong; we only need to look back in history to see the actions of the Ku Klux Klan of the U.S.A. to understand that – so why have skinhead gangs been allowed to continue existing?

How often have you seen news media reports of a famous personality being asked to resign, or

to apologize, for saying something deeply offensive and even racist, only for ordinary citizens to condemn the outrage and say that people are “too sensitive” or “too P.C.”?

son to re-evaluate their words, or to apologise for causing offence to entire groups of people?

By shutting down criticisms of casual racism, we allow it to grow. By ignor-

Is it really being politically correct when you call out racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, or any other hateful rhetoric? Are we being too sensitive when we ask a per-

ing the alarm bells from concerned individuals over the hateful speech by others, we embolden those people to become more outrageous in their speech, to become even

more racist.

Remember the incident with the 'Mad Butcher' Sir Peter Leitch, who told a Maori woman visiting Waiheke Island that it was a “white man’s island”? A segment of society was calling for him to apologize, and for his knighthood to be revoked, only to be shut down by an even larger group of citizens saying that those outraged were being “too P.C.” Remember when Sir Bob Jones, former political figure, wrote an op-ed article saying that Maori should be “grateful to Pakeha” or white New Zealanders “for being able to exist”?

The Press Council gave him a slap on the wrist, but he still has a free pass to continue writing articles.

Remember when the Lions Club of Hawera organized a float at a

Illustration of fern (centre of page) with 50 leaflets for the victims of the Christchurch massacre.

Courtesy of Pat Campbell and the Canberra Times.

parade where its participants wore 'blackface'?

Not only was it regarded to be not racist by many social media commentators, but the float even won second place in the entire competition.

Those comments were undoubtedly racist and I’m sure many of us also felt that, but we chose to shut down those warning signs within our own psyches because we were afraid of being too sensitive, or felt that we did not want to be too P.C. In the process we normalized that behaviour – allowing casual racism to continue being accepted into the mainstream.

Reflecting on all those incidents and how we reacted to them, can we really say that the attacks in Christchurch “are not who we are”?

Can we still say that it was a surprise that a racist white supremacist held that much rage and killed so many innocent people?

The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is already making statements about changes to gun legislation, but equally important are changes to our cultural perceptions.

Offensive comments to an entire race, religion, or group of people are wrong and should not be tolerated.

Giving an inch to racism allows it to grow, to a point where it hits a climax and explodes into a racist hate crime just like we saw in the tragedy of Christchurch.

We know that white supremacists are dangerous and that their message is hateful and wrong; we only need to look back in history to see the actions of the Ku Klux Klan of the U.S.A. to understand that – so why have skinhead gangs been allowed to continue existing?

ISSUE 04

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Pinoys march against racism

By MEL FERNANDEZ

AUCKLAND - A large contingent of Filipinos took part in the ‘Love Aotearoa, Hate Racism’ rally on Sunday 24th March at Aotea Square.

They joined unions and advocacy groups in support of the victims of the Mosque killings on March 15th in Christchurch.

The estimated crowd of about 1,000 included Filipino groups like Migrante

Aotearoa, Pinoys Helping Pinoys, #NZ Filipinos and Filipino Students Standing Against Racism.

The Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, Jesus Domingo, who was at the March Against Racism, was delighted with the turn-out. He commented: “I'm proud of the strong and large Filipino contingent.”

Migrant Rights Advocate Mikee Santos was equally impressed with

the turn-out. “A big contingent indeed, from ages 10 to 65. We want to make Aotearoa better; we have to rise up.”

Amy Dural Maga of Migrante Aotearoa couldn’t agree more. “It hurts to be yelled at: ‘Stupid bloody Asians! Go back to your country.’ We feel the pain of our Muslim communities and (are) all vulnerable to hate, racism and xenophobia. And so we cried out: Rasismo, Pasismo Ibagsak! Down with Racism.”

In a recent statement Migrante International said: “We are calling on our fellow Filipinos to be vigilant and work together with all peace-loving New Zealanders in promoting respect and wellbeing for all.

“Prime Minister Jacinda Arden stated that these extremists are trying to destroy New Zealand because of our diversity and rejection of racism,

Photos – C our te sy of Mi grant e Aot earoa

but they will not win. We are united and will continue to uphold our values of kindness and compassion.

“We urge everyone to stay safe and vigilant as we join the cries for justice during this difficult time.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the hate and violence brought by right wing extremists all

over the world.

“We are offering our prayers and condolences to our Muslim brothers

and sisters and to all the victims of this tragic event.”

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'Darkest Day,

15 March 2019'

It is several weeks since the horrific attacks on two mosques in Christchurch that left 50 people dead and an equal number injured on March 15, 2019.

The deadliest mass murder in New Zealand’s history was committed by a white extremist gunman who documented his crime on social media.

As a resident of New Zealand since 2005, I, like many Kiwis, am shocked that this occurred in one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world that prides itself on having an open and tolerant society.

Not since the Christchurch earthquake on Feb. 2, 2011 that claimed 185 lives has this small nation seen so many lives lost.

Our young prime minister, 38-year-old Jacinda Ardern, fronted for the grief-stricken country.

OPINYON

By MEL LIBRE

In her first press conference she said. “This is one of New Zealand’s darkest days.” She condemned the terrorist attack and vowed that this would never happen again.

Acknowledging that the victims were migrants or refugees who had chosen New Zealand to be their home, she emphatically declared. “It is their home. They are us.”

Knowing that all the victims were Muslims,

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New Zealand embraced them. Outside mosques flowers were offered.

In Christian churches moments of silence were observed during mass.

People gathered in parks and other public places lighting candles and expressing their empathy through cards and streamers and by hugging one another.

Politicians who are often at odds with each other for once demonstrated unity in Parliament.

New Zealand flags have been flown at halfmast.

Civil society has raised money to help the families of the victims.

For my part, as I struggled emotionally through the weekend that followed, I ended up writing a song, 'Darkest Day, 15 March 2019'. (see top right) Beyond the speeches and the tributes, concrete actions have been taken by the

The lyrics of Mel Libre’s Song 'Darkest Day, 15 March 2019' : Brothers, sisters, young and old Took refuge in a house of prayer Unknowingly a man of evil mould Broke the peace with vicious terror Washed with blood the pristine floor As innocents fell one by one Screams could be heard beyond the sacred door What beastly act of Satan’s son We stand united We are one people This is our home We are not shaken nation’s leaders. A change in law will see the ban of military style semi-automatics and assault rifles.

Already gun owners have voluntarily surrendered their firearms.

There is also a call for better regulation of social media.

“Going forward, what I hope this changes the most is producing a heightened response to extremism, racism and hatred,” Arden said.

We stand steadfast Against the evil that men do We cry for you, for you are us You all will live, for you live in us This darkest day will forever be Etched in Aotearoa’s history Rest in peace, dear brothers Mel Libre - an Opinion writer for the Sunstar Cebu – is a Solicitor and

Rest in peace, dear sisters We, your family, grieve for you We, your family, pray for you We, your family, honour you.

(You may listen by clicking: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v= ua6oPiHj0Do&t=3s.)

Barrister in New Zealand.

Photo credit: Aimee Maga

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“You need to be regularly updating your CV ... which m e a n s r e - p a c k a ging yourself, thinking of and then stating what new skills you’ve attained and how you’ve best put them to use.”

To win, job seekers must step beyond…

“Layout is vital; your CV must be readable. Just imagine yourself as the employer reading your CV for the first time.

What would be useful for him or her to know that you haven’t already listed down?”

Each handy new electronic communicator further reduces face-to-face conversation towards being at the best avoided -

or at the worst even feared.

Thus, 2019 job finders were those whose CVs/ subsequent interviews

presented them as outgoing skill-sharers, happily drawing the best from clients and colleagues.

‘Migrant News’ met a

sampling of these latent extroverts, all being resettled kiwis.

Each opened their own window on re-energizing

today’s numbed-down workplaces ... and leading them back towards closeknit teamship.

“Employers really like

By BILL HARRISON Feature writer

to see those friendly skills stand out”, confirmed Paula Stenberg, careers counsellor and coach within her own city-based company CV Style Limited.

“If there are rivals for the same job, then the choice will be the one most likable and best at explaining who they are.

“It’s ineffective to have your CV promoting interpersonal skills when you later come across at the interview as quite shy.”

Cherry-Mae (Che) Balute, brother Mark and their parents Ben and Eleanor arrived in New Zealand in June 2011 from rural Manila, Philippines, to win permanent residency less than a year later. Almost literally having paved their way were thousands of North Shore retail brochures, the letterbox delivery of which was collectively the family’s first job. continued on page 06

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continued from page 13

Now pursuing local qualifications in accountancy, Che revealed: ”We were powered on by new friends who are Burmese, Chinese, Tongan – you name it. All showed how every moment could bring new opportunities.

“It’s too easy otherwise for job seekers to imagine their failures as hanging over them like a great flashing signboard.”

Mark Balute, city mobile caregiver/masseur: “Newcomers especially, miss job selection by having pretended to be perfect. Far better to instead let your CV state one or two past on-the-job mistakes. Then, how you gained from having had to put them right.”

Margaret McNie, school-based careers advisor: “Ensure your CV fits the job’s criteria and is instantly readable.

Employers hate having to read through 26 ‘other’ skills to find yes! you do have the two they are specifically seeking.”

Among Ms McNie’s adult clients, voluntarily tutored, is Shinichiro Mizote, a Tokyo-born mechanical engineer and NZ permanent resident since 2011.

“Through Margaret I have learnt the value of expressing emotion in a CV. Back in Japan CVs are somehow less important, with the main energy going into the job interview itself.”

Many newcomers have an advantage they need to promote a lot more, according to Linzi Davies, Welsh-born and a senior recruitment consultant.

“Overseas-born applicants are usually welcomed by employers because they have multiple skill sets”, continued the 2007 Auckland arrival, now with Newmarket’s Alpha Company.

“Job seekers do well when they show interest in at least three other aspects of the appointment they seek. A prime example being a data entry officer also keen on accounts or even in-house event management.”

New Zealand’s 84,000 annual arrivals would have any job-seeking

enthusiasm bolstered by the 1000 long-term leavers bound each week for Australia. In 2007 alone 53,000 kiwi job seekers flew over the Tasman to join the 483,000 already in residence.

For Rajani (Rae) Shrestha, an electronics engineer from Nepal, a country with three million population, the

‘crash course’ familiarity within her NZ field outrunning her lack of actual experience.

“You must ‘Sell’ yourself alongside your qualifications”, confirmed the aspiring database administrator.

“My priorities at the interviews were putting

So this means that a concise cover letter can allow you a bit more space for including new highlights.

It must be seen as a ‘live’ introduction - effectively giving your reader a reason to invest time in your CV. More energy must go into personalized checking of each Cover Letter.

Too often we receive correspondence with the name of some other addressee! This does very CHE BALUTE: “We’ve learnt so much from our friends; it’s almost like another qualification for our CV.” little for an applicant hoping to be judged on alertness.

Similarly, cover letters must be free of mistakes in spelling and even phras ing.

Wr i t e r s of some of the more successful cover letters are b o l d MARGARET AND SHINICHIRO: RAE: "Take chances. Accept even casual work within enough to Uncovering phrases of feeling and interest. your true profession.” e v e n drive for success in NZ both parties free.” resulted in both good and across my enthusiasm for include a sub-headed list answers a lifelong mys- Narinder added that most bad news, virtually within NZ ... as well as the con- stating: “Why you need to tery. “In school English employers value those a single sentence. tribution I feel I could employ me or at the very was so important that we who can achieve closeness In NZ for nearly two make here.” least find out a bit more had to pay small fines if with others. months, having won supe“Too many applicants about me.” found talking in our own “This carries its own rior qualifications in will present their profesCVs and their covering language. It is only now attraction and originality. Toronto, Canada, Har- sional CVs. Then, they letters are the chance to that I understand the use- Show me any business not preet was told by Job expect them to do all the bring out the creativity fulness of universal needing fresh thinking Recruiters: work! Job interviews are within yourself, but withEnglish when it comes to and care of clients.” a) Her work permit’s for investing your person- out going overboard. earning a living.

“If you are new to your unexpected complications ality in, your back- up This from Honey “To other newcomers I own profession as well as left her presently ineligi- energy.”

Rasalan, former project/ say: ‘Forget textbooks! an incoming migrant, you ble for employment. Yet ...

Employers are always funding officer, Migrant Just surround yourself looking for something Action Trust (MAT). with other English speakcreative, ‘out of the box!’, Adding yet another chalers!’” or at least different. lenge, Honey emphasized: June-July 2012 saw the Cover letters can be “The need for a CV to persistence of this petite exactly that, affirms grab an employer’s attenyoung mother take her Anneker Sanger, Human tion within 60 seconds.” from hotel laundry assisResources Officer within “You need to be regutant to a well-matched the multiply-branched larly updating your CV ... electronics role based in New Zealand Career which means re-packagMt. Wellington.

College. ing yourself, thinking of Among Rae’s laundry Sometimes having to and then stating what co-workers was Narinder dismiss upwards of 80 new skills you’ve attained Singh, a multi-media ‘below par’ CVs within and how you’ve best put graduate from Punjab, four days, Anneker con- them to use.”

India, who has been trasted applicants’ out“Layout is vital; your world traveling since right blunders against the CV must be readable.

2004. alternative actions which Just imagine yourself as NARINDER: Also an aspiring motor vehicle importer.

Narinder prioritizes would have seen them the employer reading “During a job interview put forward your own suggesdecisiveness and thus causucceed. your CV for the first time. tions of how best you could contribute to the company.” tions job seekers against The standard letter is a What would be useful for ‘cumbersome over-polite- must seize these chalb) She was successful in superb chance to summa- him or her to know that ness’, especially when lenges - fight to prove obtaining at least two rize yourself with fresh you haven’t already listed business proposals are on your relevance. Too many advertized vacancies. pointers on why you down?” offer. applicants are too casual Originally from India should be employed. Yet, “Some people will go on about it.” and here to reunite with we got too many whose inventing temporary This, from Harpreet husband Narinder, (also cover letters say merely, Editor: Readers can excuses”, he countered, Singh, an Information featured in this story), “please find enclosed my source articles on Job “when a pleasant upfront Technology Graduate Harpreet was praised by CV ... Yours Sincerely ...” Search and a Job Board refusal would have set whose own Job Search the recruiters for her CVs must be kept brief. at: www.migrantnews.nz

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News podcasts from our content partners in the Philippines now available at : w w w . f i l i p i n o n e w s . n z

Wooden boatmaking embraces Mindanao life, culture

By REY-LUIS BANAGUDOS

ZAMBOANGA CITY -In a coastal barangay located 35 kilometers from downtown Zamboanga City, one could witness a craft that has existed in the region since time immemorial -- boatbuilding.

The boatyard there is one of a handful that can be found along the city’s long coast, including in one island.

Since local pre-history,

the inhabitants have been building a great variety of wooden boats used for fishing, trading and rituals, among others.

According to legend, the first royal datus in the country traveled by boats from Indonesia to establish pre-Islam and preSpanish sultanates in different parts of the archipelago.

A Tausug sultan, centuries ago traveled by

boat -- likely a parao or long balanghai -- to China to visit the kingdom’s emperor.

Tausug in English means “people of the current”. The Badjaos are called sea nomads who until recent times lived in houseboats all their life.

The Sangali boatyard is located in Sitio Malasugat, along a large cove where the Zamboanga Fishing Port Complex and

an adjacent ship repair yard -- a varadero -- are also found.

The cove teems with many fishing boats that unload catches bound for refrigeration plants of the complex, to be shipped out to other provinces in Mindanao or the extras or rejects to be sold in local markets. - PNA

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! d e h s a D s e Hop

migrantnews.co.nz

Students are still being lured to study in New Zealand with false promises.

The New Zealand dream can turn into a nightmare for some international students.

In this case, Diana initially invested about P30,000 to sign up for a course of study which was totally unrelated to her previous background. That outlay was only the tip of the iceberg.

Over the last 10 years her family had to bear mounting costs to remain here.

AUCKLAND - Are international students being dragooned into enrolling for a particular course of study at preselected schools by unscrupulous immigration advisers, or are they free to make an informed choice based on their inclinations and career goals?

Diana (not her real name), 45, a Cebuan, came across an immigration adviser's booth at a mall in Cebu City and was curious enough to stop and ask for some information.

Diana was invited to the immigration company's office and claims that she, “was not adequately informed about the different immigration pathways, but the company promoted the 'student visa pathway' to apply for residency.

“We were then pressured to enrol for a course of study immediately because, according to the adviser, the student visa policy was going to change very soon.

“So we rushed up.

Everything was rushed.

The adviser did not give us a choice of courses or schools.

“She was insistent that I take a Diploma in Business course or I could not go to New Zealand.

And if I took any other course I might not be successful with my student visa application.

“I now realize that the agent was trying to speed everything up so I would make a quick decision.

“I paid them P30,000 before they lodged our

Diana was persuaded to enrol for a Diploma in Business Course when she already had a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Philippines.

Voice of New Kiwis, International Students email: migrantnews@xtra.co.nz

I 27th Year of Publication

The 45-year-old became depressed when she found out that study was not going to be an automatic pathway to residency. She had to return home recently.

By MEL FERNANDEZ

When students go badly off course papers with NZ Immigration.

“This amount did not include the medical fee and the course fee.

“Plus I had to pay for the FTS (financial transfer support) as well as insurance. The insurance cost is very expensive.”

FMN: In hindsight, what would you have done differently?

Diana: “Overall the agency is very good; I don't have any problem with them.”

But Diana claims that, “they didn't tell me clearly that there were other pathways to residency apart from the student visa.

“I believe that I could have applied for a work visa based on my qualifications”.

She further claims that, “I was not offered a choice of courses to select from based on my career goals and my inclinations.

The school was preselected for me by the agent; I believe it was one they were promoting.

“The whole purpose of my coming over here was to become a permanent resident, of course, not just for an education”, she adds. “I've had sufficient education already.

“Over here I took a Diploma course, but I already have a Master's

Degree in Business Administration from the Philippines.

“I wanted to transfer to another school to take up a culinary course. I heard it was possible for me to take up that course, even though I had no background in that field, as long as I can afford to pay for it.

“I wanted to take up the culinary course because cooking is my passion and I eventually wanted to set up a business here.”

FMN: Why didn't you choose the culinary course in the first place?

Diana: “Because, as I've said, I was not given

a choice. I was told that I could not enrol in a course of my choice if I didn't have a background in it.

“What upsets me is they didn't tell me that it is possible but we have to take the risk.

“Two months after I started the course I asked the school where I was studying if they would refund my course fee so that I could switch courses.

“I was told that it is not likely that NZ Immigration would allow us to switch courses.”

FMN: Why did you choose New Zealand to settle in?

Diana: Because I have lots of friends here and classmates have also settled here.

“I've read and seen on TV that it is a very good place to live and the environment and climate are not that bad.

FMN: Do you know where students can go to if they need help in sorting out their study related problems?

Diana: No. FMN: What's your advice for people planning to come from the Philippines who are in your situation?

Diana: “I would really advise them to verify everything first.

“Don't rush. Try to dig deeper. Get information about what is the best course of action.”

FMN: Is there anything positive that has come out of all this?

Diana: “There was nothing positive about this experience and I became emotionally depressed. I realize, maybe, it was partly my fault too. I trusted people.”

UPDATE: This article is one of many stories about international students whose New Zealand dream had gone horribly wrong that we have been featuring over the years.

Even after spending a fortune in course fees over about ten years Diana was not successful in gaining residence and had to return home recently.

Photo credit: Marcos Calvo Mesa

FMN: What's your advice for people planning to come from the Philippines who are in your situation?

Diana: “I would really advise them to verify everything first. Don't rush. Try to dig deeper. Get information about what is the best course of action. There was nothing positive about (my) experience and I became emotionally depressed.

I realize, maybe, it was partly my fault too. I trusted people.”

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Slow visa processing 'hurting employers'

As employers grapple with visa delays, Immigration New Zealand is blaming its slow processing times on unforseen demand.

Ninety percent of applications for an essential skills work visa are taking three months or longer to process - sparking concern from Education New Zealand as well as local business owners.

Restaurateur and entrepreneur Fleur Caulton of Go To Collection owns nine restaurants including the Madam Woo chain, and said her businesses' need for immigrant workers was "just becoming greater and greater".

But she said her company - and others in the hospitality industry - was getting sick of the delays.

Ms Caulton said the Madam Woo Takapuna branch hired a new manager in February, but were left in limbo until June due to visa delays.

It put both the employee and the restaurant in a very difficult position as the manager could not

earn money while she waited - and having received her signed contract, the restaurant could not legally hire anyone else, she said.

Business NZ Immigration Manager Rachel Simpson said it was the same story up and down the country with a range of businesses.

"All of the industries we know are struggling with this," she said.

It came as the country's unemployment fell to 4.2 percent and labour shortages became prevalent in horticulture, age care and other industries.

But the reality was "no businesses looking to immigration as the first port of call for recruiting staff," even though it was essential that they were able to get more people into their industry, she said.

"Consistency, timeliness and communication around what's going on, is really important for the immigration process."

Immigration New Zealand Assistant General Manager Peter Elms said the delays could be attributed to increasing volumes of visa applications having "far exceeded the forecasts".

"Over the last two years, we're averaging over 8 percent year-on-year

growth in visa volumes.

And that was against an original forecast of 3 percent," he said.

In the top five areas occupations listed in essential skills visa applications - chef, dairy farmer, carpenter, retail supervisor and retail manager, he said there was no way to legitimately prove an applicant's skill level - and that led to a lot of people inflating their skills.

There was a series of changes underway to streamline Immigration New Zealand's visa application processing times, put employers "front and centre", and resolve the current issues, he said.

But Ms Simpson said getting service levels up to an acceptable standard should be their priority before going down the path of introducing more changes from employer roles.

And Mr Elms conceded there was room for improvement in Immigration New Zealand's communication processes.

"Absolutely our communications can be better. We can be communicating with the applicant better than we do and we can have better communications with the employer." RNZ

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We need to look after our homegrown nurses and exert effort to retain the nurses who are currently in the country. We need to focus on the support we can provide to those IQNs who are currently working in aged care or to those who would like to work in aged care. This is where we need to invest our energy.

While not every migrant nurse is successful in transitioning to New Zealand, we need to understand that the transition is multi-factorial, which includes personal circumstances. I have sev-

Opinion Jed Montayre argues that migrant nurses ‘funnelled’ into aged care nursing should not feel devalued – and that instead the clinically challenging and rewarding role should be better recognised and supported.

Migrant nurses and aged care nursing I have silently observed and noted the increasing dialogue around the nursing workforce in the aged care sector.

A significant part of the conversation in the media is about internationally qualified nurses (IQN or migrant nurses) and questioning whether aged care nursing is the best practice setting for them.

I have also noted the debate on IQNs being ‘filtered’ or ‘funnelled’ towards aged care nursing, with many arguing about the lack of recognition of a migrant nurses’ previous skills or the disadvantages in clinical learning experiences compared to working in the acute hospital sector.

I would like to present my view on how IQNs benefit from working in the aged care nursing sector and why it is important for IQNs to understand gerontology nursing

within the New Zealand context. While I will be presenting this viewpoint based on my personal experience, I will also draw from examples of IQNs that I know who have enjoyed their careers in the aged care nursing sector.

A privilege and a great learning experience to work in aged care I have never felt deskilled because I have worked in aged care nor felt that there was a mismatch (filtering) of my nursing skills. From an acute medical-surgical nursing background in a Philippine hospital, it was a total privilege to be a registered nurse (RN) in an aged residential care facility in New Zealand.

Although I admit that the setting was quite different from my previous workplace, it was never about being deskilled or being unable to utilise my

nursing skills. Instead I accepted the challenge and at the same time was inspired each day to provide the best care to older people with complex and multiple co-morbidities. I was able to effectively do this because of my previous clinical expertise and work experience.

The aged nursing care experience is important for migrant nurses to learn about differing healthcare contexts.

Longer life expectancies in New Zealand also enable nurses to build skills in nursing clients with different complex conditions affecting some of the older population, like dementias.

Moreover, the management of long-term conditions in older people is common, but is also quite unique, for example diabetes in an 80-year-old client. The knowledge of caring for older people in

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an aged residential care setting is transferable to any setting because of the ageing population.

Lastly, talking to older people enriched my knowledge of New Zealand culture and the significance of events, places, names and political landscapes within and beyond nursing.

We need to stop talking about the issue of deskilling, filtering and skills mismatch among IQNs and the aged care nursing sector. Instead we need to look at the nursing workforce in a holistic way.

Is it a moral act to nurse where there’s the greatest need?

As IQNs we form part of the overall nursing workforce – it is not only about our previous nursing skills.

Though, of course, I strongly agree that we (IQNs) bring invaluable nursing skills, clinical expertise and cultural accommodation to the increasingly diverse New Zealand.

However, we need to look back at why we are in New Zealand in the first place? Each migrant nurse chooses their own destiny within the host country; some consider themselves to be fortunate by being able to practice in their preferred clinical settings or align with their

previous nursing experience from their home country.

For those who were not able to follow that pathway, do you consider yourself disadvantaged or being filtered to aged care? Isn’t it a morally grounded act to respond to where the nursing staff shortage occurs within the host country’s nursing sector? Aren’t your broad skills and expertise of being able to practice in any setting some of the grounds for you being considered for registration in New Zealand?

These are critical questions that we need to consider. While each nurse has the freedom to transition between practice settings or to change specialities, we need to stop thinking about one nursing practice setting as being superior over another. We need to stop the notion that ‘if you are an IQN from an acute care background and you work in a rest home in New Zealand, then you are a less skilful nurse than you were’.

Focus on supporting, not devaluing, aged care nursing I think that it is high time to divert our attention and think in a more holistic way and to not present ourselves in silos that do not help us progress as a workforce.

eral IQN colleagues who have worked in aged care for many years. Some of them are in managerial and executive roles now.

These journeys serve as inspiration to IQNs who are currently working in aged care that career progression is available for them.

Every nurse decides their own practice transitions, but it is my hope that aged care nursing will no longer be considered to have lesser value.

While work conditions within the sector could be better, that should not devalue the gerontology nursing specialty as a career pathway for New Zealand nurses.

Author: Dr Jed Montayre (above) is a nursing lecturer at AUT University who came to New Zealand from the Philippines in 2011 and started his New Zealand nursing career in the residential aged care sector.

Reprinted with permission from: HealthCentral .nz

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