Islanders Able To Overcome Problems Of Settling In N.Z.

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28938, 4 July 1959, Page 11

Islanders Able To Overcome Problems Of Settling In N.Z.

(New Zealand Pre— Association)

WELLINGTON, July 3. Problems associated with settlement of Islanders in New Zealand are complex, but most of the Islanders make the necessary transition quite satisfactorily, says the annual report of the Department of Island Territories, tabled in the House of Representatives. The Islanders come from environments tending to be communal in outlook and based on strong social and religious structures and containing a minority of Europeans, says the report. Adaptation, as a minority group, to urban New Zealand’s more individualistic outlook, its different laws and customs, its comparative neglect of Sunday observance, and its money and economy necessitates some adjustment and assimilation on the part of the Islanders. The report says no accurate figure is available, but it is estimated there were about 6400 Islanders living in New Zealand. Of these, about 3000 are Samoans. 2500 Cook Islanders and about 900 Niueans. Most of them live in Auckland and Wellington, though there is a growing trend for them to spread to other centres in the North Island. Employment does not present any difficulty, the report says. Employers, particularly those providing communal and semi-skilled work, express satisfaction at the Islanders’ ability. Lack of familiarity with New

Zealand customs in regard to alcohol and gambling causes occasional problems with a small number. Their health is excellent. The report says it is difficult for Islanders to obtain adequate housing and there is reluctance on the part of some to give them accommodation. Their lack of knowledge of New Zealand standards and their traditional hospitality, which occasionally results in over-crowded conditions, sometimes aggravates the problem.