Volume 16, 2007

Issue N. 2 - The Pacific Islanders and the Rim: Linked by Migration
Edited by Carmen Voigt-Graf

Carmen Voigt-Graf

"Pacific Islanders and the Rim: Linked by Migration," Vol. 16 (2), pp. 143-156, 2007
 

Helen Lee

"Transforming Transnationalism: Second Generation Tongans Overseas," Vol. 16 (2), pp. 157-178, 2007

Since the 1960s Tongans have developed extensive transnational ties between the homeland and the overseas populations, including remittances that for many years have bolstered Tonga’s economy. This paper examines how these ties have been transformed over time, and focuses on the question of whether the children of Tongan migrants are likely to sustain such ties in the future. Drawing on data collected from ‘second generation’ Tongans in Australia, the paper explores their attitudes towards transnational practices and the extent to which they maintain connections with their parents’ homeland. I argue that although Tonga’s need for support from the diaspora is growing, migrants’ children are unlikely to sustain the current level of remittances. Without an ongoing flow of new migrants, transnational ties are likely to weaken and levels of remittances will suffer a significant decline, with potentially devastating consequences for Tonga.

John Connell
"At the End of the World: Holding on to Health Workers in Niue," Vol. 16 (2), pp. 179-197, 2007
 

The migration of health workers from Niue is part of a broader migration trend where the national population has declined significantly in the past quarter of a century. This is due to significant social and economic differences with New Zealand, and the shift in population gravity towards New Zealand where most Niueans now live. The impact of migration in isolated Niue was less than in some other Pacific states, measured either as workforce vacancies or inadequate service provision. Niue has retained an effective health workforce because of external conditions: an aid dependence that enables a large public service with most households having two wage earners in the public service. Opportunities for promotion and training, alongside boredom, rather than salaries or standard workplace issues concerned many workers. Small and remote islands such as Niue face the challenge to retain a skilled workforce in the face of high rates of emigration.

Carmen Voigt-Graf, Robyn Iredale and Siew-Ean Khoo

"Teaching at Home or Overseas: Teacher Migration from Fiji and the Cook Islands," Vol. 16 (2), pp. 199-223, 2007

The migration of skilled workers is increasing rapidly in Pacific Island countries including Fiji and the Cook Islands. This paper focuses on teacher migration because of the potentially far-reaching implications of this migration for educational systems and development. The situation in Fiji and the Cook Islands is compared and contrasted. Based on a survey of teachers in selected schools in Fiji and the Cook Islands, the paper examines factors related to intentions to migrate or stay. Findings from the study provide insights on how the government in Fiji and the Cook Islands can retain a competent teaching force. The paper also discusses the vulnerability of the education systems in Pacific Island countries in the light of high rates of international teacher migration.

Maria Borovnik
"Labor Circulation and Changes among Seafarers' Families and Communities in Kiribati," Vol. 16 (2), pp. 225-249, 2007

This paper critically examines the social and cultural elements involved in seafaring and explores how a seafaring lifestyle has affected aspects of the te katei ni Kiribati, the “I-Kiribati way of life.” The decision to undertake contract labor requiring a work life apart from families is one way to maximizing socio-economic benefits, where the hardship of being away from home over extended periods is endured in order to maintain and benefit families at home. This paper explores how seafarers are perceived in Kiribati’s communities, and how different aspects of their employment alternating with vacation at home are affecting family relationships and the I-Kiribati culture.
 

Richard Bedford , Elsie Ho, Vasantha Krishnan and Bev Hong
"The Neighborhood Effect: The Pacific in Aotaearoa and Australia," Vol. 16 (2), pp. 251-269, 2007

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.

RESEARCH NOTES

Peter Mares and Nic Maclellan

"Pacific Seasonal Workers for Australian Horticulture:A Neat Fit?," Vol. 16 (2), pp. 271-288, 2007
 

Seasonal labor shortages hinder the expansion of Australia’s multi-billion dollar horticultural industry because primary producers find it difficult to secure sufficient workers at peak times such as harvests. In the labor surplus economies of Pacific Island nations un(der)employment and a lack of income inhibit social and economic development, restrict educational opportunities and contribute to social unrest. This article investigates the potential to address both these issues through the development of temporary labor programs to allow Pacific Islanders to fill seasonal gaps in Australian horticulture. The authors outline key policy considerations for the design and regulation of seasonal work schemes in order to maximize social and economic development outcomes, protect workers’ rights, dignity and entitlements and minimize the social costs of temporary migration on the home society.
 

Raelyn Lolohea 'Esau
"Tongan Immigrants in Japan," Vol. 16 (2), pp. 289-300, 2007
 

Many studies on Tongan immigration have focused on Tongans in New Zealand , Australia and the United States , which are the primary destinations of Tongan migrants. This research note reports the findings of a survey of Tongans in Japan . The small community of Tongans in Japan consists of those who came to Japan as marriage migrants, rugby players and students. The research note sheds light on respondents’ migration background, transnational practices and future migration/permanent plans. Of the three groups, marriage migrants tend to view Japan as their home while rugby players and students are more likely to engage in transnational practices.