Executive summary Background The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is committed to promoting a diverse, inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand where everyone feels welcomed, safe and a sense of belonging. Included in this work are initiatives to support the New Zealand Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy (NZMSIS), which is the government’s strategy ‘to support recent migrants to settle well so they can participate fully and contribute to all aspects of New Zealand life’ (Immigration New Zealand, n.d.). This research was undertaken to contribute to the evidence base around one of the strategy’s five areas: Inclusion. The goal of the Inclusion area is that ‘migrants participate in and have a sense of belonging to their community and to New Zealand’. One key indicator under the Inclusion area is reducing migrants’ experiences of discrimination. Evidence shows that migrants in Aotearoa New Zealand report having more experiences of discrimination in this country compared with non-migrants, while New Zealanders more broadly are reporting a decline in positivity towards migrants. In May 2019, HRC commissioned Malatest International to conduct qualitative research on the drivers of migrants’ experiences of discrimination. The research is purposed to support and inform potential and targeted cross-government and nongovernment agency responses to discrimination. The research aimed to: 2 3 • Explore migrants’ experiences of racism that may have emerged, increased, or changed over the last few years • Understand how Māori, Pākehā2 and other tauiwi migrants’3 attitudes and experiences of racism may contribute to fostering a positive or negative environment for migrants • Understand how to better support migrants who experience racism • Explore potential opportunities for all New Zealanders to understand the drivers for racism and strengthen responses to racism. Pākehā is used throughout the report to refer to New Zealand-born people of European descent. Tauiwi is used throughout the report to refer to all non-Pākehā migrant groups. www.malatest-intl.com Drivers of racism – March 2021 7