From Dalmatia to New Zealand: a survey of Yugoslav immigration, settlement and assimilation in New Zealand

Abstract

Two principal reasons underlie the selection of Yugoslav immigration, settlement and assimilation in New Zealand as a thesis topic. Foremost is the belief that among New Zealanders there exists a need for greater understanding on the subjects of immigration and assimilation. Understanding generally comes with thorough research involving not only the tedious digging up of facts, but also analysis and interpretation of the facts so as to present a comprehensible picture to the general public. With the exception of studies on the Jews Goldman L.H. The History of the Jews in New Zealand and Chinese Fong, Ng Bickleen The Chinese in New Zealand: A study in Assimilation in New Zealand, in addition to R.A. Lochore's broad survey of migration From Europe to New Zealand Sub-titled 'An Account of Our Continental European Settlers' and perhaps half a dozen unpublished theses, All theses referred to in this study are listed in the bibliography the settlement and assimilation of foreign ethnic groups in this country has been neglected. As a result there exists a potential danger of discrimination and antagonism toward immigrants due to irrational thinking. Much of this danger could be dispelled with greater research and scholarship. The second reason for selection of this topic is the authors position and qualification, as a second-generation member of New Zealand's Yugoslav community, to undertake such research with confidence.