Community Engagement Report for developing a National Action Plan Against Racism Once ethnic migrants were in Aotearoa, participants noted they experienced discrimination and their wellbeing suffered as a result. Several commented on the need for better integration of migrants, with one noting “if we as migrants can integrate into society then we start eliminating the difference of ‘us’ and ‘them’”. This participant went on to identify social mobility as “an essential measure” of how well migrant integration was working: “if we as migrants can start on this campaign of social mobility, that would be a big change in our society’. Ethnic migrant wellbeing was a strong theme in relation to immigration and settlement, and several people spoke about the discrimination and harassment they had experienced. One submitter noted: Immigrant wellbeing is a clear area of challenge for New Zealand, particularly for new immigrants. The General Social Survey recorded in 2016 that over a quarter of recent immigrants (26 per cent), many from Asia, had experienced discrimination in the preceding 12-month period. The COVID-19 pandemic, referred to as the ‘Wuhan virus’ and subsequently as the ‘Indian strain’ with the Delta variant, appears to have exacerbated experiences of racism and discrimination for Asian New Zealanders. Other participants noted the lack of availability of services and resources for those migrants whose visa status was precarious or uncertain. They recommended the establishment of a safe stream for migrants in these visa situations to be able to access services. Finally, ethnic migrants wanted to be recognised for their contribution and value, not to be stigmatised as a problem. One commented: ‘I want kiwis to be aware of the qualities migrants bring to the country’. New Zealand Human Rights Commission 59