The latest Parliamentary Research Paper is Immigration Chronology - Selected Events 1840-2008.
It is available on the Parliamentary website and can be downloaded as a PDF document.
This paper outlines key immigration events that have impacted upon New Zealand society since 1840. Apart from their impact on society, these events have influenced policy-making, thus helping to shape both contemporary and future New Zealand. The paper first outlines pre-1840 New Zealand before describing later events. Events are listed chronologically under six headings that summarise key historical trends. Key conclusions include
- Assisted migration had a significant role in shaping New Zealand society, especially from the 19th century to the mid–20th century.
- Historically, the United Kingdom and Europe have been the major contributors of migrants. However, the ethnicity of migrants has become more diverse since the late–20th century.
- Immigration criteria increasingly emphasised skills and talents rather than countries of origin (such as the United Kingdom) from the late–20th century.
For more information, check Voyager for the subject New Zealand--Emigration and immigration and the NZSTATS database.