Our specialist resettlement team at Mobile Relocation works with many Kiwi employers to provide pastoral care for migrant workers.
These businesses are motivated not only by their legal requirements under the AEWV visa scheme and employment law. For many it also aligns with their values and how they treat their people - in this case a duty of care obligation to newcomers to New Zealand.
And migrant workers do appreciate the support they receive.
In fact, a best-practice pastoral care programme can be a significant attractor for migrant workers.
What does a pastoral care programme entail?
When we’re designing pastoral care programmes our basic premise is to provide what people need to function in New Zealand - most arrive here from quite different cultures so there’s a steep learning curve and a lot to organise.
Based on our eight years of experience resettling newcomers to New Zealand, the 5 basics of survival are:
Knowledge. As much information about the details of life in NZ as possible, well in advance of travelling here. Then, a local orientation on arrival so migrant workers understand how to navigate their new environment.
Accommodation. Somewhere safe, clean and warm to live.
Money. A bank account and IRD number. Workers need this so they can be paid. Moreover, New Zealand, operates largely on digital currency so having an eftpos or debit card is essential
Food. Knowing where to access culturally appropriate and reasonably priced food.
Emotional support. Connecting with Kiwis they can trust, and others in the migrant’s community is essential for wellbeing.
How do migrant workers value pastoral care?
We recently surveyed a group of workers who’d experienced a Mobile Relocation pastoral care programme designed and delivered for a major New Zealand business.
Here’s what they told us:
100% of the workers felt welcomed and cared for during their first week in New Zealand
100% said that ‘Having a Mobile Resettlement Advisor looking after you’ during your first days in NZ’ was a highly important part of the programme
"Everything (was of value to me). They helped us get settled here in New Zealand and ensured we were set up here quickly and effectively, ready to start our new jobs and our new lives." Migrant worker from The Philippines.
“I am feeling great about moving to New Zealand and l can't wait to settle down. The pastoral care has been fantastic so far and I have managed to get the much-needed information to prepare for the future” Migrant worker from Zimbabwe.
How can a quality pastoral care programme attract workers?
100% of the workers said they would be likely to recommend this business to a friend as an employer who provides a quality Pastoral Care Programme for overseas workers when they arrive in New Zealand.
This is recruitment gold!
Word of mouth is such a powerful tool in migrant communities.
Canny recruiters package up their business’s pastoral care programme and present it as a benefit in international campaigns.
It’s also worthwhile getting testimonials from previous recruits, ideally in their native language, talking about their experience that you can share with potential hires.
Differentiate your business as a caring employer who addresses the needs of migrant workers.
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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.
To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.