The Housing Experiences of Fijian Households in Auckland

Abstract

From the beginning of the twentieth century Auckland has been a migrant receiving city. Auckland is home to the largest group of Pacific communities in the world. However, to date studies that examine the homeownership patterns and housing experiences of specific migrant groups has been limited. This thesis examines the settlement patterns and housing experiences of Fijian households in Auckland. According to a Statistic New Zealand (2006) report, Fijians were the seventh top nationality of migrants in New Zealand. This study uses a quantitative survey method to gather data and it reports on the housing experiences of 84 Fijian households currently living in Auckland. There were a number of key findings from the research questions. Fijian migrants could be described as a successful migrant group or at least more successful than other Pacific communities. They seem to have good incomes and a good rate of homeownership. The homeownership rate of Fijians in Auckland is very similar to that of locals and three bedroom houses are common amongst homeowners. Two bedroom houses are common for renters. The majority of the Fijians live in separate or detached houses. Access to work and quality of neighbourhood are the important considerations for Fijian households when making housing decisions. Fijians view homeownership as a symbol of independence, ‘to do what you want to do with your house’ and ‘it provides security of tenure’. For many Fijians, homeownership represents a sign of ‘doing well’. Auckland has been the gateway city for Fijian migrants since the majority of the Fijian households initially settled in Auckland. Within Auckland, Fijians are spread over the greater Auckland area; however concentrations are evident especially within South Auckland and the Auckland city areas. Family links or chain migration has played a major role in the migration of Fijians to New Zealand with many households initially supported by their family and friends as they settle in New Zealand. The majority of the Fijians migrated after the 1987 military coup, and the latter coups, as these coups caused ongoing political and social uncertainties. However migration from Fiji to New Zealand still continues today and recent migrants move mostly for better education, better job opportunities and to secure a future for their children. The majority of Fijian households own properties with a mortgage and pay more than 30 percent of their income on mortgage payments. Savings and ‘settlement money’ from Fiji has helped many households in generating their deposit for their first home in New Zealand. However, Fijians within Auckland not only aspire to be homeowners but they also aspire to invest within the increasing private rental sector in Auckland. Some Fijians, apart from owning their current house, also own rental investment properties.