Thesis (PhD) -- Bond University, 2006. / "This thesis submitted to Bond University in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy". Bibliography: pages 258-284. Also available via the World Wide Web.

New Zealanders’ motivations for migrating to Australia and the effect of migration on their cultural and national identity were examined through analysis of interviews and surveys with New Zealand migrants and stayers. Factors influencing the move included economic pull factors, lifestyle factors, family reunification, some dissatisfaction with New Zealand society, the desire for a change, and a sense of adventure. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with their new lives in Australia, and once resident there, initial motivating reasons merged with factors which reinforced and justified the decision to move. These included the benefits of a warmer climate, the perception that Australia was a more relaxed and tolerant society, and the belief by Maori that living in Australia freed them from negative stereotypes.New Zealand migrants to Australia revised their identity in light of their new experiences, and yet continued to view New Zealand positively, retaining aspects of their New Zealand identity as part of their ongoing evolving identity. However, while feeling at home in both countries, as time went on many migrants adopted a more Australian identity. Over time, they considered Australia was superior in a number of respects, and adapted and changed in response to Australian influences. Despite this, migrants maintained the boundary between New Zealand and Australian characteristics through a process of constant comparisons and, somewhat ambivalently, retained their strong positive regard for New Zealand. In the main, participants considered they could be happy in either country, but were happier in Australia. Migrants constructed positive reasons to justify their move and viewed themselves as adventurous and determined, while stayers constructed equally positive reasons for staying in New Zealand, seeing themselves as settled and stable.

New Zealanders’ motivations for migrating to Australia and the effect of migration on their cultural and national identity were examined through analysis of interviews and surveys with New Zealand migrants and stayers. Factors influencing the move included economic pull factors, lifestyle factors, family reunification, some dissatisfaction with New Zealand society, the desire for a change, and a sense of adventure. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with their new lives in Australia, and once resident there, initial motivating reasons merged with factors which reinforced and justified the decision to move. These included the benefits of a warmer climate, the perception that Australia was a more relaxed and tolerant society, and the belief by Maori that living in Australia freed them from negative stereotypes.New Zealand migrants to Australia revised their identity in light of their new experiences, and yet continued to view New Zealand positively, retaining aspects of their New Zealand identity as part of their ongoing evolving identity. However, while feeling at home in both countries, as time went on many migrants adopted a more Australian identity. Over time, they considered Australia was superior in a number of respects, and adapted and changed in response to Australian influences. Despite this, migrants maintained the boundary between New Zealand and Australian characteristics through a process of constant comparisons and, somewhat ambivalently, retained their strong positive regard for New Zealand. In the main, participants considered they could be happy in either country, but were happier in Australia. Migrants constructed positive reasons to justify their move and viewed themselves as adventurous and determined, while stayers constructed equally positive reasons for staying in New Zealand, seeing themselves as settled and stable.

"I love this country with a passion, but I cannot live here anymore. I can no longer live slung about with panic buttons and gear locks. I am tired of driving with car windows closed and the doors locked, tired of being afraid of stopping at red lights. I am tired of being constantly alert, having that sudden frisson of fear at the sight of a shadow by the gate, of a group of youths approaching - although nine times out of ten they are innocent of harmful intent. Such is the suspicion that dogs us all." (Paton, A. London Sunday Times, November 29 1998) This credence and conviction was echoed repeatedly during personal interviews in South Africa and New Zealand. The added pressure South African Indian respondent's felt emanated from being Indian. This study argues that although the shift to post-apartheid epoch has dawned, the providence of the Indian in South Africa remains relatively unaltered. The consequence is that South African Indians are voyaging for security elsewhere. New Zealand has offered them an alternative home. This area of exploration has not been investigated before, since South African Indian migration to New Zealand is a relatively new exodus. This research explores and investigates why South African Indians are migrating to New Zealand, on a micro and macro level. This dissertation focuses on three main aspects: the reasons for migration to New Zealand, the effects on the respective countries and the formation of new 'identities and home.' I developed my main arguments based on the data retrieved from the personal interviews - the greatest source of information for this work. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002

The literature on immigration divides migrants into two distinct categories: immigrants who voluntarily leave their home countries in search of better opportunities, and refugees who are forced to leave because their lives or personal freedom is under threat. However, since many South Africans have emigrated (and continue to do so) because of fears for their safety as a result of the high levels of crime and violence in the country, they could be regarded as "reluctant immigrants" or "anticipatory refugees" (Kunz, cited in Khawaja & Mason, 2008, p. 228). In 2013, South Africans were in the top five source countries for immigrants to New Zealand (Statistics New Zealand, 2013), but they had been the focus of only a few research studies (Meares, 2007, p. 49). A possible reason for this lack of research is the fact that most South Africans are fluent enough in English, are usually able to find employment, and because of cultural and religious similarities, can be integrated with greater ease into New Zealand society (Meares, 2007). Hence researchers probably assume that the settlement experience of South African immigrants in New Zealand is similar to that of skilled immigrants from countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America. This qualitative study sought to explore the immigration journeys of nine South African families living in Wellington, New Zealand, by conducting autobiographical narrative interviews. The goal was to understand their experiences and the outcomes of emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand. The research aimed to describe adaptation across the pre- and post-migration phases and the factors that impacted on the immigration process, as well as acculturation stress, coping strategies and the support systems utilised. Thematic network analysis was used to extract common themes across participant narratives to develop ecomodels for assessment and intervention with South African immigrants in New Zealand. The results of this study confirmed that despite similarities between the two countries, South African immigrants in New Zealand experienced considerable adaptation difficulties. Women, adolescents and older adults were at particular risk of developing psychological problems, such as chronic depression. Additional risk factors were pre-migration trauma, family conflict, emigrating with a visitor's visa, unrealistic expectations, underemployment and financial hardship, marital discord, loneliness and alienation from New Zealand society. Important protective factors were commitment to the immigration process, thorough premigration planning and adequate support upon arrival, equitable employment and financial growth, family cohesion, religious beliefs, a positive mindset, fortitude, a sense of humour, family reunification and social connectedness in New Zealand society. It was recommended that the South African settled community fulfil an active role in supporting newcomers, and that New Zealand policy makers establish systems to foster multiculturalism in New Zealand. / Psychology / D.Litt.et Phil. (Psychology)

The literature on immigration divides migrants into two distinct categories: immigrants who voluntarily leave their home countries in search of better opportunities, and refugees who are forced to leave because their lives or personal freedom is under threat. However, since many South Africans have emigrated (and continue to do so) because of fears for their safety as a result of the high levels of crime and violence in the country, they could be regarded as "reluctant immigrants" or "anticipatory refugees" (Kunz, cited in Khawaja & Mason, 2008, p. 228). In 2013, South Africans were in the top five source countries for immigrants to New Zealand (Statistics New Zealand, 2013), but they had been the focus of only a few research studies (Meares, 2007, p. 49). A possible reason for this lack of research is the fact that most South Africans are fluent enough in English, are usually able to find employment, and because of cultural and religious similarities, can be integrated with greater ease into New Zealand society (Meares, 2007). Hence researchers probably assume that the settlement experience of South African immigrants in New Zealand is similar to that of skilled immigrants from countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America. This qualitative study sought to explore the immigration journeys of nine South African families living in Wellington, New Zealand, by conducting autobiographical narrative interviews. The goal was to understand their experiences and the outcomes of emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand. The research aimed to describe adaptation across the pre- and post-migration phases and the factors that impacted on the immigration process, as well as acculturation stress, coping strategies and the support systems utilised. Thematic network analysis was used to extract common themes across participant narratives to develop ecomodels for assessment and intervention with South African immigrants in New Zealand. The results of this study confirmed that despite similarities between the two countries, South African immigrants in New Zealand experienced considerable adaptation difficulties. Women, adolescents and older adults were at particular risk of developing psychological problems, such as chronic depression. Additional risk factors were pre-migration trauma, family conflict, emigrating with a visitor's visa, unrealistic expectations, underemployment and financial hardship, marital discord, loneliness and alienation from New Zealand society. Important protective factors were commitment to the immigration process, thorough premigration planning and adequate support upon arrival, equitable employment and financial growth, family cohesion, religious beliefs, a positive mindset, fortitude, a sense of humour, family reunification and social connectedness in New Zealand society. It was recommended that the South African settled community fulfil an active role in supporting newcomers, and that New Zealand policy makers establish systems to foster multiculturalism in New Zealand. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

Over the past 30 years South Africa has lost valuable human capital due to high volumes of emigration. South Africa has also seen numerous changes in its political, economic and social structure specifically in these decades, but little investigation has been done into the possibility of an association between political, economic and social, as well as personal factors, and the decision to leave South Africa. This study refers to Lee’s Migration Model (1966) that was used as a broad theory for migration. The model involves four sets of factors: factors associated with the area of origin, factors associated with the area of destination, intervening obstacles and personal factors. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory also explains the personal motivational theory for migration. Lee’s Model of Migration is used to investigate which political, economic, social and personal factors in the area of origin (South Africa) pushed South African emigrants to leave the country. It also investigates which political, economic, social and personal factors in the area of destination (Australia and New Zealand) pulled South African emigrants toward these countries. This study involved mixed-methods research (Creswell, 2009), thus the data collection methods were both qualitative and quantitative. The study followed a sequential exploratory strategy in two stages with the qualitative data collection occurring first, followed by a quantitative study – ‘QUALquan’ study. The data are mixed between analysis of the qualitative data and the quantitative data collection (Creswell, 2009:211). The qualitative data collection instruments used in the first stage of the study in 2009, were face-to-face interviews consisting of one focus group and six personal interviews in New Zealand, as well as twelve personal interviews in Australia. In the second stage of the study in 2015, namely the quantitative research, respondents were selected by contacting 17 closed (secured) Facebook groups that were formed for South Africans living either in Australia or New Zealand. There is no alternative sampling frame available since emigrants do not need to declare themselves as migrants on a work visa, furthermore, official documentation is not accessible to the public. A quantitative data collection instrument was administered with an online questionnaire. In the Australian Facebook groups, 137 respondents completed the questionnaire, and in New Zealand Facebook groups, 118 respondents, which adds up to a total of 255 respondents who completed the questionnaire. The results concluded that South Africa’s governance framework, its infrastructure and legislation acted as political push factors motivating South Africans to emigrate, while an uncertain economy contributed as an economic push factor. Socially, a perception of a limited future and a narcissistic society is what pushed South Africans to emigrate. Personal push factors that drove the emigration decision included, unmet physical, safety, belonging and esteem needs. The political factors that pulled South African emigrants to Australia and New Zealand involved effective government services and governmental aid. Economic pull factors included economic certainty and a lower cost of living. Social pull factors proved to be familiar circumstances and a better future. Personal pull factors were safety, belonging and self-actualisation needs. This mixed-method approach focussed on the gap to a followup study that was identified in previous individual qualitative and quantitative studies. These results may assist the South African government to take measures that ensures the retention of highly skilled citizens. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)