Calls for support for women emigrating to New Zealand's rural communities

Spokesperson for the cause Kerry Maw said that while women emigrating to New Zealand to work in the rural communities are a highly valuable resource for the New Zealand economy, a lot more needs to be done to ensure that these migrant women settle easily so that their full potential for contribution can be reached.

According to Maw, people emigrating to New Zealand, as in any other country, can find it difficult to establish a connection with their new community.

"These immigrants arrive in rural areas and have everyday needs to be met such as medical, dental, educational and access to service providers.

"They have to find the local supermarket and where to purchase clothing and furniture," Maw says.
 
Community groups, such as sporting teams, can play a major role in helping people emigrating to New Zealand to establish a sense of community. 

According to Rural Women New Zealand, New Zealand immigration authorities have issued 1644 New Zealand work permits and visas during the 2008-09 year, for people looking to work on beef and dairy farms, which is an increase of 652 on the previous year.

The New Zealand Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with emigrating to New Zealand.