side, the gap in income levels widened between NZ-born and migrants originating in nonEnglish speaking countries. This was especially true for Asians. Whereas in 1981, Asians had income levels approximately 25% less than comparable NZ-born citizens, by 1996 they were making nearly 60% less. One possible explanation given was that the changes to the labour market in the 1990s caused Asian people with insufficient English language skills to be penalised by the greater competition for jobs. Source: Winkelmann & Winkelmann, 1998 Asians have also been repeatedly shown to be at a disadvantage in gaining employment, compared with NZ-born job applicants. The follow sections will summarise this research. 3.1 Sri Lankan Migrant Experiences Accessing Employment One hundred and fourteen Sri Lankan migrants were interviewed in four NZ cities (Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Palmerston North) about their experiences in finding employment in New Zealand (Basnayake, 1999). About half of the respondents said they felt discriminated against when searching for employment. One third were not employed, although at the time the study took place Sri Lankans had the highest level of tertiary education in the country, and 92% identified as either fluent, very fluent or spoke English as a first language. Nearly half of the respondents who were unemployed had not been asked for an interview. When asked to state whether they felt the barriers were present because they needed to upgrade their English, qualifications, computer knowledge or that they were currently receiving training, many of the migrants nominated their own “other” reasons for the disadvantage that were beyond their control, such as: “Lower the age and change the pigments of the skin.” “Change the colour of the skin.” “Change name to an English name.” 11