Settling In Palmerston North and Feilding - Human Rights Commission

• ‘Schools charge lot of fees. Teacher/student ratio is good. School zoning is a barrier, education is about the same as in Fiji but fees here is sohigh while it is free in Fiji. Why do we have schools open and close on different days – it is a hassle for me – picking dropping kids on differentdays and child care. For example, child care – too expensive. Imagine people getting basic pay of $12.50 per hour and paying $11.50 per hourfor child care. They have $1.00 left. How good is that?’• ‘Lack of affordable services (child care, transportation)’• ‘student allowance for everyone’Focus Group Suggestions• Subsidised language assistance for spouses of international students• Universal student allowancesSETTLING IN PALMERSTON NORTH AND FEILDINGInformation about Education System• ‘We came to New Zealand with permanent resident’s visa so, as parents, it was not a problem for our son who was at high school level to go toschool. But for our son who was then a high school graduate, it took quite a while for him to prove that he is indeed capable of doing a universitydegree. However, once the university requirement is complied with, there was no problem so far. The issue in this is the difference betweenthe Phillipines and the NZ education/curricular programme.’• ‘Understanding of education system can be a problem’• ‘Lack of information: They find it difficult to understand the NZ Qualification system. For example, the NCEA exams which most of their childrenare sitting. This is because all information is written in English and their English is not good enough to fully understand so they tend to let thechildren decide what to do by themselves without any support or guidance from parents. Therefore it would be of great help for Korean parentsto receive important information in Korean as well as English.’• ‘University and school preparation should be provided before going there.’• ‘Training should be provided for technical and professional course.’• ‘New school systems.’• ‘The connection between Decile Rating and performance of schools was confusing – more information on schools would have improved things– the balancing act between finding accommodation within the school zone of choice – choose school first or home location.’Focus Group Suggestions• Better information about New Zealand universities and schools prior to arrival and on an ongoing basis (zones, decileratings, exam systems, etc)• Translations of important school information for parents (eg about NCEA)Recognition of overseas qualifications• ‘Overseas qualifications not recognized’• ‘Even though you have qualifications from overseas, NZ still requires you to study more. Overseas qualification is not appreciated here.’• ‘Better recognition of overseas education.’• ‘To have a link between immigration department and NZQA. To give correct information to migrant when they apply to come to NZ, whethertheir qualifications are recognised’• Getting qualifications recognised so that we can get good jobs.’• ‘Get jobs in line with the level of education, ability and experience.’Focus Group Suggestions• Improved information about qualifications recognition prior to arrival• Better links and information sharing between Govt. departments (eg NZQA and Immigration) to improve processes andaccuracy of informationTransport• ‘Need home tutors’• ‘Students who brought their families have to consider the distance between the rental properties with the schools for their children.’• ‘To improve public transport to enable migrant women to attend community activities and learn English.’Focus Group Suggestions• More home tutors to reduce transportation difficulties and costs• Better public transport to help women to participate more fully in the community and to access support54Diversity in Schools• ‘Most integration issues were seen early at school where children have been fighting in response to insults from other pupils. But appropriatemeasures have been taken to help with the matter. The children seem settled now and have made good friends.’