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It’s Not Me, It’s You: Students’ Perspectives on the ‘Brain Drain’

Words by Beth Mountford (she/her)

With the gradual reopening of New Zealand’s borders, there has been much speculation in mainstream media about a ‘brain drain’. For those unfamiliar with the term, a ‘brain drain’ is the emigration of skilled workers from a particular country to another where they may be attracted by higher rates of pay or better Past - Niuean Three opportunities. The Wan Solwara Team Salient caught up with some VUW students and graduates joining the drain about why they’re feeling drawn away from New Zealand and what the move means to them. Pete McKenzie, who graduated with a VUW Honours Degree in Law and a Bachelor of Arts at the end of last year is soon heading to New York to begin a Masters Degree. McKenzie says it has been a “confronting experience realising that [he is] part of the brain drain,” but maintains that moves such as his have overall benefits for New Zealand. “You want people with overseas experience, you want people to bring back fresh perspectives,” he said. McKenzie says that the rising cost of living and rental prices in Wellington “removes an obstacle” to making the move overseas, saying “it’s easy to not go overseas if everything is really good here but if the cost of living is the same in the states as it is in NZ then that’s one barrier that’s missing.” Fulbright, a cultural exchange programme that operates between New Zealand and the US, declined to have a phone conversation. They stated in an email to Salient that “part of [their] kaupapa is for Fulbrighters to share their mahi in the US and then when they come back to Aotearoa, share what they learnt in the US.”

CW: Racism, Abuse, Death All quotes are attributed to Tauleletoahukuitogia Latule-Mailisi who has provided local knowledge and context surrounding the controversy, as a descendant of Niue. The Niuean Three are Tamaeli, Latoatama, and Folitahu who, whilst imprisoned, premeditated the murder of Resident Commissioner Larsen in 1953. This is a major event in Niuean history which had permanent effects on the relations between New Zealand and the Pacific. It is one of the only instances of a New Zealander in public service being killed overseas.

In the early 1900s, New Zealand Prime Minister Richard Seddon stated his “mission” to extend the Domain of New Zealand into the South Pacific. Seddon embarked on a “tour” of Tonga, Fiji, Niue, and the Cook Islands, with intention to persuade leaders of the benefits of annexation. In 1901, Niue and the Cook Islands became dependent territories under NZ law.

They said that “on the whole” their scholars come back to New Zealand and stay here “so the brain drain (while it’s definitely a thing) is less of an issue for [them]”. Other students cited better work opportunities overseas. Masters in Design student Elliot said that many of his friends who have already moved overseas are “doing the same jobs but for three times as much [pay] and a lot more respect as an employee”. For him it follows logically that people would leave after graduating, as “you don’t have those ties”. “For example I brought this real nice set of Milwaukee socket wrenches the other day and I was like oh shit, if I’m going overseas what am I going to do with my nice set of Milwaukee socket wrenches that I just bought,” he said. Patrick, a third year Bachelor of Arts student says that he has “always felt constrained by the anti-intellectual culture here in New Zealand” in which cultural pursuits are “poorly understood…and viewed largely as pretentious”.

From 1943-1953, Cecil Hector Larsen acted as Resident Commissioner for Niue. A decade of unregulated governance from the New Zealand Government enabled Larsen to misuse his power to abuse the Niuean people. With no departmental oversight, Larsen exercised unrestricted executive powers, corrupting the judicial system as the sole judge and jury of Niue. Larsen’s determination at the time led to Niuean residents’ imprisonment for acts such as public affection, consuming alcohol, and swearing. These prisoners were detained and used to maintain the Resident Commissioner’s property and retrieve his golf balls. “The Governor would say to the men they can’t kill a cat, mocking them and belittling them.” Local history illustrates allegations of abuse towards the unlawfully detained. “The men committed the crime as the Governor (resident Commissioner) was mean with no respect for the Niuean people. He bullied them, and men (and) women were abused.” The people of Niue petitioned the New Zealand Government three times throughout Larsen’s 10 year term, but to no avail or recognition. According to Margaret Pointer, the Wellington Government’s intention was to promote Larsen as overseer to all Pacific Island states in New Zealand’s domain. Pointer He says that going overseas after completing his refers to the lack of political will from “Wellington” to qualifications is something he “need[s] to go and do”. make any such changes for Niue, until the controversy In order to remain in New Zealand he would need of Larsen’s murder dominated media, and required to be offered “high job satisfaction, decent pay and change to be made. access to those jobs”. The three men, from the islands of Liku, Makefu and Kate Prickett, Director of the Roy McKenzie Centre for Hikutavake, escaped and killed Hector Larsen in his the Study of Families, says that New Zealand’s current Niuean residence before turning themselves in the brain drain is two-pronged; we have people leaving next day. “When he was killed there was some relief because of the economic circumstances as well as “a from the Niuean People.” The Coco-net’s coverage of bit of catch up” due to the re-opening of the borders. the controversy clarifies the spirit of the people, and determination of the Niuean Three, saying “There’s On the economic circumstances she said “even if only so far the people will bend, before the people you stay here and turn a wage your wage is not going break.” to be keeping up with the housing costs. To get a mortgage and to get onto the housing ladder is not “The men were sentenced to hang. New Zealand sent something that’s available for young people to work the hangman there and dug three holes. On this day towards right now.” the sky turned into fire and the hanging was called off.” After two execution sentences, the complexity of She says that the resolution of issues such as the the case, immense public pressure, and intervention affordable housing crisis will have to be “part of the from Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Sid Holland picture” to attract kiwis back to New Zealand. granted the Niuean Three clemency. They were “It’s not just always going to be about the love of New Zealand and wanting to be here. People need to feel that they can come back and have a stable house released from Mt Eden Prison between 1960-1970. Only Tamaeli was able to return home to Niue before he passed away. to live in, that they can have career prospects and The second half of the 20th century led to a opportunities too,” she said. renaissance of independence amongst Pacific nations, All of the students and graduates that Salient interviewed professed their love for New Zealand. They collectively spoke of a natural curiosity to explore, to see “bigger and better” things, and have the fabled overseas experience. who shrugged off New Zealand’s colonial rule in favour of their own sovereignty. In 1974, Niue emerged as a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. Just as the Cook Islands had done, it retained the Queen in right of New Zealand as their head of state.

Headline Junkie: Present

The Wan Solwara Team

A Bite-Sized Look Into the Big Stories

Words by Azaria Howell (she/her) and Beth Mountford (she/her) Niue Represented at Commonwealth Games Jacinda Visits Samoa

TW: Homophobia Niue, home to 1,649 constituents and the largest raised coral atoll, qualified for three events in the Green Co-Leadership Not a Shaw Thing 2022 Commonwealth Games. The 15-strong team After Salient broke the news about a potential Green Party leadership spill at the Party AGM, votes came through showing nearly one-third of Party delegates voted against re-nominating co-leader James Shaw. A co-leader vote is expected to take place in the coming weeks. Chlöe Swarbrick declined to run for Greens co-leader, stating the vote against Shaw was “unprecedented”. Teanau Tuiono has confirmed in a press conference that he is considering contesting the co-leadership. headed to Birmingham, England to compete for only the sixth time since 2002. Tony Edwards, the team’s Chef de Mission for Birmingham stated “[t] hese games are where you need to take the best you’ve got to represent Niue”. The team consists of ten lawn bowlers, four boxers, and one weightlifter. One of the members of the lawn bowls team is Niue’s elected leader, Premier Dalton Tagelagi, the first elected representative of a nation to compete in the Commonwealth Games.

Smokefree Aotearoa Closer Than Ever Climate Change x Commonwealth Games

Tuvaluan boxer and police officer Fiu Tui used his Amendments to the Smokefree Environments and international platform at the 2022 Commonwealth Regulated Products Act 1990 have passed their first Games to inspire global climate action. “God gives reading in Parliament with a clear majority. The Bill you a talent: table tennis, weightlifting, volleyball. received cross-party support from all parties other That’s the way we survive from the sea levels than ACT. ACT Deputy Leader Brooke Van Velden rising, by using our talent.” These comments follow stated the amendments to the legislation were “shortproceedings at the UN Ocean Conference in June. sighted”, adding that the change would “increase Pacific Island leaders stated it was “utterly unfair” organised crime”. The amendments seek to reduce that Pacific people are amongst the most vulnerable, the amount of nicotine available in smoking products despite being responsible for a “tiny fraction of the and ban all sales of tobacco products to people born global greenhouse gas emissions.” Tui, who competed in or after 2009. Associate Minister of Health Ayesha against Grenadian Kemrod Moses, re-emphasizes this Verrall said the Bill seeks to end harm. urgency, saying “we know climate change is real. We Aussie Rugby Players Boycott ‘Pride’ Jersey don’t want to wait for our leaders to fight. I am from Tuvalu and my country is going to sink. We need help.” Seven players from Sydney’s Manly Sea Eagles NRL Club have refused to wear an updated ‘pride’ rugby jersey, depicting a rainbow on the chest of the shirt Manly Pride Jersey Sells Out and Boycotters Open to Donning Kit alongside advertisements. Team Coach Des Hasler On 28 July, The Manly Sea Eagles sold out of their confirmed these players would not take part in the “Everyone in League” pride jerseys within 30 minutes game where the one-off jersey will be worn. On social of game night against the Sydney Roosters. According media, Conversion Therapy Action Group co-founder to CEO Scott Penn, the jersey is here to stay and and activist Shaneel Lal said “the Polynesian NRL the seven players who boycotted the fit are open to players refusing to wear a uniform that has a rainbow wearing it next year if consulted first. Six of the seven on it for ‘cultural’ reasons is a joke. Pacific cultures, players who boycotted the jersey were of Pacific even outside Polynesia is rich in queerness.” Sea Island heritage. Fijian-Indigenous Social Studies Eagles team captain Daly Cherry-Evans wanted pride Professor Jioji Ravulo from the University of Sydney, to be celebrated in rugby, hoping attention will turn to who facilitates cultural awareness training for NRL the “17 players out there celebrating inclusiveness and players, urges people to understand that Pasifika diversity”. communities have “learned a lot of these rigid views on sexuality from white Western perspectives”.

Metlink Gives New Meaning to Cancel Culture

On 1 August, Samoa reopened its international borders. NZ politicians were some of the first visitors Luxon in Hot Water, Quite Literally after 865 days of closure. Officials were invited by Leader of the National Party Christopher Luxon has been met with backlash after travelling to the tropical destination of Hawai’i over Parliament’s break. A social media post from the opposition leader stated he was campaigning in Te Puke at the time of his vacation, which some have labelled as “misleading”. Luxon stated “we genuinely made a mistake and we own up to it.” Despite this, Luxon did not agree that the post was misleading, adding he was “not losing sleep” over the matter. Samoan Prime Minister and VUW alumna Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, who visited New Zealand in June, to celebrate 60 years of signing the Treaty of Friendship. Her father Fiamē Mata’afa Faumuina Mulinu’u II, CBE, was the 685’s first Prime Minister that signed the treaty between the two Pacific nations on 1 August 1962. Ardern says the Treaty represents both governments’ commitment to “promote the welfare of the people of Samoa, and conduct our relationship in the spirit of close friendship”. The friendship between Samoa and Aoteroa is exemplified by the recent bill Auckland Mayoral Candidates Treading on Eggshells launched by the Green Party to restore the right to NZ citizenship for people from Western Samoa (born between 1924-1949). The Auckland Mayoral Debate, held at Auckland University on 26 July, has been modestly described Local Body Election Plans Revealed as “lively” after crowd members egged mayoral Based on a Wellington City Council report (December candidate and New Conservative co-leader Ted 2021 - financial spending) current priorities for the Johnston. Two eggs were thrown in total: one hit WCC are three waters infrastructure, infrastructure Johnson square in the shoulder, the other failed to of public transport, and safe, affordable housing. collide directly with a target, but did splatter some Candidates and parties use ideological positions residue on another mayoral contender Craig Lord. to build trust and loyalty with their voter bases. We Johnson, who displays egg-like features himself, has can empower ourselves through voting and voicing said he is unbothered by the incident after 10 years our perspectives on the policies of campaigning working as a bouncer. The egg-throwing bandit is yet candidates, their past actions, and holding them to be caught after fleeing the scene immediately. accountable to their future promises. Local body Bye Bye Bloomfield :( voting booths close on 8 October. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to have your say. Friday 29 July saw Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield’s last day on the job. After the most turbulent four years his role has ever seen, Bloomfield 40 Years On, the Pacific Underground Theatre Revisits Dawn Raids announced in April that he would be stepping down. A year after the New Zealand Government’s apology He told Jack Tame “[t]he thing I’m proudest of is to the Pasifika community, director Oscar Kightley what we managed to achieve through our vaccination reminds us why the amends can’t stop there. Opening programme.” He has become a celebrity and a in Auckland on 16 August, this is a play not to be household name (some even go as far as to say a missed. Set in 1973, Oscar Kightley’s cast explores “saint”), a true beacon of stability throughout the the lives of “Sione and his band, the Noble Hawai’ian Covid-19 pandemic. Sabretooth Tigers, as they welcome you to the Paradise Honeypot Club where everything is beautiful, until it isn’t.” This play offers a new perspective to what many of our ancestors experienced. It explores loyalty, loss, wit, warmth and more. Book your tickets through the ATC website.

The Wellington region has seen over 1,000 buses being cancelled in the past week, with a significant shortage of drivers. Metlink representatives have blamed Covid-19 and the flu season for the driver shortage, stating that sickness is hard to plan around. The New Zealand Herald reports that over 120 bus drivers across the Wellington region have been sick SPLENDID and unable to work.

Future - How Aotearoa’s First National Adaptation Plan Will Impact Pasifika

Dimitris Potusa (he/him; Leimatua, Vava’u, Tonga; Manono Tai, Samoa)

On 3 August, the Government released Aotearoa’s first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) which responds to the climate change risks assessed by the National Climate Change Risk Assessment (NCCRA) delivered by the Climate Change Commission (the Commission). The NAP contains over 120 actions to help Aotearoa adapt to the impacts of climate change. It follows the Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) released in May, the national plan to mitigate our greenhouse gas emissions and align our emissions targets internationally. The NAP has four priority areas to form the foundation of Aotearoa’s adaptation response: 1. Enabling better risk-informed decisions 2. Driving climate-resilient development in the right locations

3. Adaptation options including managed retreat and 4. Embedding climate resilience across Government policy The consultation period for the NAP included directed engagement workshops for Pasifika across Aotearoa facilitated by the Pacific Advisory Group. Feedback showed that Pasifika are among more vulnerable groups of New Zealanders. The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) explains this is due to factors such as how Pasifika “often have more crowded households…lower incomes…and poorer health outcomes”. Pasifika are also affected by adverse weather potentially causing damage to homes, buildings, and churches that may result in resettlement away from dangerous areas. Here are some ways that the NAP aims to support Pasifika, with example actions provided by MfE:

Better risk-informed decisions

Pasifika households, businesses and communities can use tools to assess their own risks and make better adaptation decisions. Relevant actions include: Design risk assessments of public buildings: This will help owners of public buildings understand and adapt to climate risks. It includes important ‘social infrastructure’ like hospitals, churches and schools, and things like cultural and heritage values will be considered.

Homes and Buildings

Relevant actions include:

Reduce and manage the impacts of climate

hazards on homes and buildings: This action includes collating existing information to help adapt now; researching the impacts of climate hazards on different typologies; producing property-level guidance; developing an assessment framework; and investigating incentives. This action is also necessary to inform further work such as regulatory changes.

Government policy

The Government is embedding climate resilience across all its strategies and policies which will support Pasifika communities to adapt to climate change now and in the future.

Relevant actions include: Implement the Climate Migration Action Plan: This will support Pacific peoples to live in their own countries where possible, and to grow and thrive even when climate change impacts mean they have to move or migrate.

Build community resilience through social

cohesion: This work will lessen instability and community disruption caused by climate change. It will help everyone, including Pacific peoples, to feel safe and belong, and to access opportunities. Expand funding for community resilience: This would expand the community funding provided during Covid-19 for communities to carry out their own longterm plans, and make more funds available through Whānau Ora.

Design and develop risk and resilience and climate

adaptation information portals: These portals will make information available on social and equity risks. They will also help assess the vulnerability of people disproportionately affected by climate change, such as Pacific peoples. Work with community housing providers: This will increase the resilience of community housing by supporting strategies for emergency management and long-term adaptation. Working with Māori and Pacific providers, this will reduce community housing tenants’ exposure to climate risks. It will help increase resilience in culturally appropriate ways, and respond to the needs of Māori and Pacific recipients.

Responding to the Climate Crisis: An

Implementation Plan: This 2019 report set out goals and objectives in response to the Defence assessment “The Climate Crisis – Defence Readiness and Response,” which explores the links between climate change and security. It underscores the importance of working with and learning from our Pacific partners, to understand and respond to intensifying climate impacts” To read the full document, head to MfE’s website. Source: Climate-change-and-Pacific-peoples-Whatthe-national-adaptation-plan-means-for-you.pdf (environment.govt.nz)