Adaptation of Migrants in the New Zealand Labor Market

This article addresses economic aspects of New Zealand immigration during the 1980s. General features are overall net emigration coinciding with high levels of immigration from Asia and Pacific Island countries. Earnings by years in New Zealand profiles for immigrants with selected occupations are steeper for Pacific Island-born males than for other immigrant groups. Although there are few data, there is some evidence that profiles differ between cohorts. Since the level of controlled immigration is likely to be increased and the perceived labor market outcomes are an input in the selection criteria, further research is needed.