A new settlement support initiative is helping Tongans prepare for life in New Zealand before they leave home, with organisers hoping the programme will ease the challenges many migrants face when adapting to a new country.
The project provides practical information on employment, housing, healthcare, education, banking and everyday life in New Zealand. It is designed to give participants a clearer understanding of the services available and the expectations they are likely to encounter after arrival, reducing uncertainty during the settlement process.
The project team with locals in Kolovai during their Tonga trip. Image: RNZ
According to RNZ Pacific, the initiative is being delivered through a partnership involving organisations supporting Pacific communities, recognising that many Tongans migrate for work, education or family reunification.
Cassandra Vaea, who works with the Pacific Settlement Support Services (PSSS) programme in partnership with SIAOLA, said the project was developed in response to the growing number of Tongans arriving in New Zealand without sufficient knowledge of everyday systems and services.
Vaea said the programme equips participants with practical information before departure, covering employment, housing, healthcare, banking, education and community expectations. She said early preparation helps reduce the stress of settlement and enables new arrivals to become independent more quickly, while also helping them understand their rights and responsibilities in New Zealand.
Settlement experts say early preparation can improve employment outcomes, strengthen financial planning and help migrants connect more quickly with essential public services and local communities. Workshops also cover practical topics such as enrolling children in school, accessing healthcare, opening bank accounts and understanding workplace rights.
New Zealand is home to one of the world’s largest Tongan communities, with migration between the two countries supported by longstanding family, cultural and economic ties. Tongans contribute significantly to New Zealand’s workforce while maintaining close links with relatives in the Kingdom through remittances and regular travel.
Organisers hope the project will strengthen settlement outcomes for future migrants by equipping them with the knowledge and confidence needed before they begin their new lives, while reinforcing the enduring relationship between Tonga and New Zealand.
