Migrant Action Trust story shared by founder Alice Lacaba
Twenty-eight years ago, our family of four moved to NZ. We assumed that since we were granted residency under the skilled migrant point system, we would land on a job pretty quickly. On the contrary, this was the biggest challenge. We got “declined” letters because we did not have NZ qualifications, no NZ work experience and employers were hesitant to hire people who spoke English as a second language. For most of us, our overseas qualifications are also not recognised here.
We met other migrant families experiencing the same barriers to employment. While in a bus, we noticed three people who looked dejected. They were new to NZ, at a loss with how to start. We walked them through the basics - open a bank account, set up an IRD number, revised their CV “Kiwi style” and provided them job interview tips. Now, they have well established families and careers in the health sector.
While New Zealand opened its doors to migrants to boost economic productivity, the government at the time lacked a structured and institutionalised support network for new arrivals. These experiences inspired us to start MAT, an organisation that creates opportunities, and paves the way for migrants to settle in NZ. Here we are, 20 years later, MAT is a well-established collective helping migrants and refugees. Let’s continue to be kind to others, even the littlest help can go a long way and change families’ lives and future.
