The shift from family migration towards skilled migrants changed settlement patterns in the first two decades of this century. But these skilled migrants still get paid less than non-migrants.
While Māori have seen a steady increase in representation in parliament since the beginning of MMP, other ethnic minorities have experienced uneven growth. The new parliament will see a step back.
Instead of framing discussions about the UK population in terms of a white majority and “non-white” minorities, complexity should be the focus. Britain is increasingly diverse and less segregated.
From planning, transport, education, housing, to decisions about grants and businesses, local authorities can play a role in perpetuating ethnic disadvantages – or could be used to address them.
Multicultural market places in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver may seem like an equalizing market force. But the availability of diverse foods says nothing about the equity of ethnic groups.
The New Zealand government’s strategy to import teachers from the UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia and Fiji will do little to improve representation for indigenous Māori in the teacher workforce.
The combination of higher-density living and increasing cultural diversity means we need to think about how to build social cohesion and make the most of the opportunities of apartment living.
Australia has had a large influx of skilled migrants in recent decades. Better educated and more highly paid than past generations of migrants, they are also creating a different sort of community.
Countries - including many in Africa - have moved towards democracy incrementally. They have zig-zagged and sometimes regressed. Events in Zimbabwe should be seen in this light.