Settling In Palmerston North and Feilding - Human Rights Commission

What is Cultural Diversity? – A local opinion‘It means different things to different people, some people need longer to even think about the concept, let alone embrace it. While citiesand towns are changing all over New Zealand with the arrival of many new migrants and refugees to live and work in new communities,existing communities are sometimes, for the first time, talking about “Cultural Diversity”.‘Cultural diversity is about valuing others’ difference, valuing what they bring into the mix of an existing community and celebratingtogether.‘Cultural Diversity is not about a cultural festival once a year, when you eat ethnic food and the newcomers dress in their national dress.Cultural Diversity is about living every day respecting that everyone is different and valuing them for it.’Key Issues (direct feedback from focus groups) 28Living Diversity• ‘What we need in the community is only respect. In the school, supermarket, community service places such as an aquatic centre. We needrespect to our culture and religion festivals. I had many story talking about how much we are not accepted in NZ community. I had knowledgethat it is a multicultural community and it is considered as the most famous country for its nationalities diversity. Unfortunately, I found otherstreat us as if we came from another planet as we are aliens. The image of overseas immigrants is completely distorted.’• ‘Cultural shock – drinking young age, sexual freedom before marriage etc.’• ‘The government should accept that there is a social phenomena and should support programmes and projects for cultural diversity’• ‘More material in city library introducing Chinese language and cultures’• ‘Shop opening times, in Indonesia shops open from morning till late 7 days a week. Compared to NZ that has “early” closing times.’• ‘Auckland and Wellington have large number of Fiji Indians, and good networks. It will be good if we will have this network setup here soon.’• ‘Holiday on our special occasions eg Diwali’• ‘Prejudice based on culture and what is said in the media, portrayed and labeled through media’• ‘Food: It is difficult to know what meat is Halal. This affected women especially at the beginning of Settlement’• ‘Loss of original identity (culture, language)’• ‘Culture Shock with comparing what she was used to in Indonesia and what she found in NZ’Building Wider Community Understanding and Involvement with Newcomers• ‘Have found in general her own experience was more pleasant to speak to a Canadian, as most NZers in her experience (she understands,that not ALL NZers are like this) are not as friendly and patient speaking to a foreigner – have found that Kiwis are not as sensitive/tolerant inslowing down when dealing with a foreigner.’• ‘The feel of being alone in a new country, a new neighbourhood sometimes make everything looks difficult. Having a friend (or more) in theneighbourhood could be really helpful.• ‘Many people found it hard to meet New Zealanders, and thus did not have many opportunities to practice their English. Most NZers seemedtoo busy with their own work and families to be available to migrants who would like to get to know them.’• ‘It has been difficult to get involved effectively in the activities of the local community. This is because life has become busier as most of uswork at night time and study during the day. Communication is a barrier and in general the public is often impatient or uncomfortable in tryingto communicate.’• ‘Acceptance from others’• ‘More people need to know about all the different ethnic communities in PN’• ‘An issue is also understanding general social interactions with NZ public, what is acceptable, and what is not.’• ‘Neighbours should be more tolerant to the needs of various communities. Sometimes some people become less tolerant and pass remarks.’• ‘Care to be taken by govt and authorities to not confuse our nationality (Congolese) with the RDC. We are from the Republic of the Congo orThe Congo. However, our country is often mistaken with Democratic Republicof The Congo or DRC. This is not only among the general public but also insome government departments.’• ‘A Mayoral “Welcome Morning Tea” – perhaps every 6 months – a letter ofinvite and the date of the next one could be issued as part of the WelcomePack at the I-site or is there another way it could be distributed – through realestates etc? This discussion grew into a New Residents Expo where localbusinesses and community services could “lay out their wares” in a way thatwas particularly appropriate to new residents’• ‘I need to be more actively involved in the community – promote my ownculture’• ‘Note: there was discussion about the KIWI HOST courses? This was invogue a while ago. But doesn’t seem to be around anymore.’Potluck dinner at Manawatu Multicultural CentreSETTLING IN PALMERSTON NORTH AND FEILDING28This feedback comprises direct quotes from focus group participants or notes as interpreted and presented by facilitators.33