Challenging The Story Of Aotearoa New Zealand As An Inclusive Nation Through Considering The Dimensions Of The Ideal Migrant

Abstract

This paper begins with a story about Aotearoa New Zealand. This beautiful, multicultural country in the Pacific Ocean prides itself on the international stage as being an inclusive nation. According to the New Zealand Story, a government website aimed at expanding and improving our international reputation, Aotearoa has “a reputation for doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching”. We are a nation who warmly welcomes others, and who builds relationships based on respect, care and reciprocity. We are also a progressive nation, which “recognises the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive society”. This paper raises questions about the reality of this story, arguing that when these values are put to the test in our immigration system, a different story emerges.