The Neighborhood Effect: The Pacific in Aotaearoa and Australia

Abstract

Australia and New Zealand tend to view development issues in the Pacific, including labor mobility, in different ways. This paper compares the different policies of Australia and New Zealand on the migration of Pacific peoples. Both countries used to have colonies in the Pacific in the 20th century, but while Australia ceased to continue its special relationship with the island countries on immigration matters, New Zealand did the opposite and has become a major destination for Polynesians. New Zealand's recent move to incorporate a seasonal work program to bring in Pacific workers marks another difference with Australia's approach. The impacts of the seasonal work program for the two countries, the broader canvas of demographic and economic differentials between the Pacific Island states and Australia and New Zealand, and prospects for multilateral cooperation are examined in the article.