Getting to Grips with Kiwi English - …ethniccommunities.govt.nz/sites/default/files/images/DAY 1...

Getting to Grips with Kiwi English

Migrants speak English well…

Self-reported English proficiency

Speak English 'very well'

Speak English 'well'

Speak English 'not well'

Speak English 'not at all well'

English as 'best language'

English language requirements for residence Skilled Migrants: IELTS 6.5 (or 5.0 for dependents)

Parent category: IELTS 4.0

Business categories: IELTS 4.0 (except ‘Investor 1’)

Source: Immigration Survey Monitoring Programme Migrants’ Survey (2010 & 2011)

…but may not speak fluent ‘Kiwi’

Challenges understanding Kiwi English

“Language acquisition is known to be a critical factor in a migrant’s ability to ‘integrate’ into a host community and in determining labour market outcomes”

Learning the Lingo: The Challenges of Gaining English Proficiency, DOL 2012

INZ supports the Languages in the Workplace Project at Victoria University of Wellington – which informs the development of our workplace resources

Research into the language needs of migrants

INZ funds the Workplace Communication for Skilled Migrants programme - helps professional migrants understand and develop appropriate communication skills for New Zealand workplaces, understand the Kiwi workplace environment and gain New Zealand workplace experience (internships)

Resources for migrant workers and their employers Guides for migrants / employers – targeted to the needs of specific sectors

Guides for migrant employees

Guides for migrant employees

Guides for migrant employees

Guides for employers of migrants

www.worktalk.immigration.govt.nz

Resources for migrant workers and their employers WorkTalk website – a tool for employees and employers to test their communication skills

WorkTalk: Communicating with new migrants

+

Settlement information and language support

Websites Citizens Advice Bureaux

Where to get help with language, where to learn, how to understand

INZ Contact Centre

What’s next?

Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy Approved by Government in 2014 Outcomes Framework Reviewing our services – to make sure we focus on getting to the Strategy outcomes

Looking forward: identifying and addressing emerging

English language needs

Workplace-focused English Higher levels of English tuition Partners of skilled migrants

Ongoing collaboration with other agencies on having the right mix of resources for new migrants and how to best meet these emerging needs

Outcome 3: English language Migrants confidently use their English in their daily lives

For more information . . .

Contact Anne-Marie Masgoret Email: Anne-Marie.Masgoret@mbie.govt.nz DDI: 04 896 5241, mobile: 027 555 8874