migrants are a source of labour and may be useful for countries with ageing populations and declining fertility). On the other hand, they can be viewed negatively for similar reasons – while a source of labour, they can create competition for jobs and other economic opportunities. They can also be viewed as diluting an established national cultural identity. Key findings from studies showing Aotearoa New Zealanders’ attitudes towards migrants and immigration include: • Surveys illustrate diverse opinions about migrants. Ward and Masgoret’s (2008) survey of 2,000+ Aotearoa New Zealand adults (70% Pākehā) showed that 81% held positive views about migrants and believed they positively contributed to the country. Johnston et al. (2010) surveyed more than 1,000 New Zealand citizens (95% were of European ethnicity). Most respondents thought there were too many migrants in the country but viewed British, Irish, European and South African migrants more favourably than Chinese, Indian, other Asian and Pacific migrants. Survey respondents appreciated migrants’ contributions to cuisine and providing them with new perspectives but were concerned due to perceptions that migrants did not integrate into society and were a pressure on resources and the welfare system (Johnston et al., 2010). • Some groups of migrants experience more racism and discrimination than others. For example, migrants from the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa frequently do not encounter discrimination because they are able to ‘pass’ in public settings as part of the mainstream Aotearoa New Zealand European ethnic group. Migrants are more likely to experience discrimination in public when they look visibly different from the Pākehā majority (Butcher, 2006). Ward and Masgoret (2008) found Australian and British migrants were viewed most favourably, while Somalian, Samoan, Chinese and Indian migrants were viewed least favourably. • There is growing recognition of the value migrants add to skills shortages. The Auckland Chamber of Commerce (2018) conducted a survey with Aotearoa New Zealand employers and found that while employers preferred to hire Aotearoa New Zealand applicants, they recognised skill shortages in the country and were more willing to hire migrant workers than in previous survey waves. Most of those employing migrant workers held positive attitudes towards that workforce. • Yogeeswaran et al. (2019): Analysis of data from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study found correlations between attitudes towards Muslims in aspects of national identity and support for diversity: www.malatest-intl.com Drivers of racism – March 2021 19