Trends and patterns of post-communist migration from Russia to New Zealand since the 1990s

Abstract

This article examines the Russian diaspora in New Zealand over the last 30 years. Using migration statistics and census data, post-communist migration trends and socio-economic outcomes of immigration from Russia to New Zealand are analyzed, to establish an empirical base for further qualitative and comparative investigation of the settlement experiences of Russian immigrants in New Zealand. Results reveal that the Russian diaspora has been growing, demonstrating spatial clustering in urban centers with the highest concentration in Auckland. While Russian immigrants have a high level of educational qualifications, their labor market outcomes have been weak and their income is lagging behind that of the New Zealand-born population and of migrants born in other countries. An over-representation of working-age female migrants is a distinctive feature of the Russian diaspora. Further research on the changing migration pathways and settlement strategies of the Russian immigrants in New Zealand is suggested.

Keywords

Russian diaspora New Zealand Russian immigrants post-communist migration international migration

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