New Zealand's Changing Attitudes towards Asian Immigration, 1999–2004

Abstract

This study surveys and analyzes articles related to Asian immigration and immigrants published in two leading New Zealand publications, the Listener and the National Business Review (NBR), during the period of 1999–2004. It found that articles in both publications reflected changing attitudes of the public towards Asian immigration and immigrants. The NBR is supportive of Asian immigration because it believes that the financial and human capital brought in by Asian immigrants are important to the nation's economy. The Listener is more cautious because it is more concerned about the societal impacts caused by the Asian immigrant influx. However, the Listener is sympathetic towards refugees, accepting the economic and social strain they may bring while the NBR strongly opposes the admission of refugees because they may become an economic burden to New Zealand.