Settling In Palmerston North and Feilding - Human Rights Commission

Cultural Maintenance• ‘As parents and grandparents we want our children and g’children to be good citizens and keep the laws of the country. But we also wantthem to have a good understanding of their ethnic origins and culture.’• ‘China is becoming a big trading partner for New Zealand. Why don’t schools offer Chinese as a subject?’• ‘Cultural maintenance for self and children / g’children’• ‘Our children and grandchildren should be encouraged in school to keep their language and culture. It’s a real problem when they can’tcommunicate with their parents and grandparents properly.’• ‘If Chinese is taught at school it’s got some status, and the children will want to learn it’• ‘They (children) all lose their Chinese when they start school because there is no incentive’• ‘Schools to teach our children about Chinese customs and etiquette’• ‘Our children/g’children can help build bridges between China and New Zealand’• ‘We want to be able to help them keep their Chinese traditions. We would like schools and the gov’t to help. For everyone’s good.’Focus Group Suggestions• Schools should have processes to help migrant children to retain their cultures and languagesLiving Alone Support• ‘I need help to keep my house clean. I am 89 and living alone.’• ‘I can’t get rid of old things when I need to throw away an old piece of furniture.’Feedback about What is Working Well• ‘Three meals and a roof over our heads no problem’• ‘Aged Chinese Project with Lottery funding good for us, gives us coordinated activities, we want more of that.’ ‘Information in our ownlanguage, translated documents a great help.’ ‘Gives us real pride in our language and culture. Good for our children and g’children to seeChinese has a place here.’• ‘Doing well within our own community group’Feedback about What is not Working Well• Racism in the community and security issues for business owners• Lack of a priest for the Bhutanese – a big worry for older people in the community• Lack of transport and knowledge about how to use it• Lack of programmes for older ethnic people• isolation, fear of going out alone• worries about grandchildren turning into New Zealanders and loosing their own cultureExisting Services and Activities• Aged Chinese Project• Age Concern Manawatu• Anglican Friendship Club – Language Programme• Multicultural Centre language classes for older people• Gold card for transport (there is a lack of knowledge about this)• Mobility vouchers for taxis from Horizons Regional Council (lack of knowledge)• Neighbourhood Support (lack of knowledge for older migrants/refugees)• Support from Refugee Services volunteers and staff• Manchester House (Feilding) – range of services for older peopleOpportunities and Suggestions for Further ActionActions that have been identified through the focus groups and consultation process are noted in the following table, with lead agencieshighlighted in bold. It is important to note that these actions are a starting point only – once sector groups have been established to progressthese issues, the actions are likely to evolve and partners may change over time.SETTLING IN PALMERSTON NORTH AND FEILDING59