The New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) undertook a review of family sponsored immigration policy. One of the key issues addressed was what is the appropriate definition of family. To contribute to this work, the Service
commissioned a report on this topic. This study:
- identifies how the concept of ‘family’ differs for different ethnic groups
- identifies within the different concepts of ‘family’, the key relationships whereby obligatory ties exist between family members
- describes the key characteristics of relationships that involve a high level of interdependence.
Methodology
This report is based on a literature review and 15 interviews with people who have migrated to New Zealand from the Pacific, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.