Petra T. Bürgelt, Mandy Morgan & Regina Pernice Living the Dream: Experiences and Interpretations of German Migrants to New Zealand throughout the Migration Process 2003 Unpublished manuscript based on Petra T. Bürgelt‘s MA Thesis: Is New Zealand the right choice? The psychological and social factors influencing the decision for German immigrants to New Zealand to stay in New Zealand or to return to Germany ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright is owned by the Author of this manuscript. Permission is given for a copy to be downloaded by an individual for the purpose of research and private study only. The manuscript may not be reproduced elsewhere without the permission of the Authors. 2 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS _________________________________ Tables of Contents ..................................................................................................................... 3 List of Tables ............................................................................................................................. 8 List of Figures ............................................................................................................................ 8 _________________________________ Abstract ........................................................................... 10 Acknowledgements.................................................................. 11 Prologue ............................................................................. 14 How this Study Came About: Personal Experience…………………………… 15 Intended Readership …………………………………………………………... 16 Overview of Book Chapters ………………………………………………….. 17 Our Hope: Mutual Liberation and to Inspire you to Live your Dreams ………. 18 _________________________________ Chapter 1 Introduction .......................................................... 19 Overview of Theoretical Assumptions Underlying the Research ....................... 21 Salutogenic Paradigm: A Positive Take on the Stresses of Migration .......... 21 Symbolic Interactionism & Narrative Theory: The Importance of Interpretation and Meaning-Making ............................................................. 22 Combined Approach ..................................................................................... 24 Gaps in the Migration Research ......................................................................... 26 Subsequent Focus: Research Aims, Question, & Intended Outcomes ............... 27 Outline of Methodologies & Methods Used ...................................................... 28 Grounded Theory .......................................................................................... 29 Ethnography .................................................................................................. 29 Episodic Interview ......................................................................................... 31 Participant Observation ................................................................................. 32 Document Review ......................................................................................... 33 Research Conduct.................................................................................. 33 Participants & Recruitment .............................................................. 33 Data Collection ................................................................................ 38 Data Management & Analysis .......................................................... 40 Representing the Research Findings ...................................................... 41 _________________________________ 3 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Chapter 2 Historical, Statistical, and Environmental Context & Conditions ............................................................. 43 Historical Background ........................................................................................ 44 German Migration Worldwide: A Brief Historical Overview ..................... 44 The History of German Immigration to New Zealand ............................. 44 Statistical Background ........................................................................................ 47 Migration Flows of German Immigrants to New Zealand ............................ 47 Characteristics of German Immigrants Living in New Zealand ................... 50 Physical Environment ......................................................................................... 55 The German Embassy ................................................................................... 55 The Goethe Institute in New Zealand ............................................................ 56 The New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Councils (Inc) ................................. 56 The New Zealand Immigration Service and Current Immigration Policy ..... 57 _________________________________ Meta Story: Living the Dream ..................................... 60 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 61 Preliminary Thoughts and Explanations ............................................................ 61 The Meta Story: A Mosaic ............................................................................ 61 What is the Meaning of Dreams? .................................................................. 64 _________________________________ Chapter 3 Developing the Dream & Readiness ................................ 65 Upbringing: Laying the Foundations .................................................................. 66 Conditions Conducive for Migrating ........................................................... 66 Characteristics and Values ............................................................................ 70 Travelling: Gradual Expansion of Horizons ....................................................... 75 Moving and Travelling within Germany ...................................................... 75 Exchange Programmes .................................................................................. 75 Extended Independent Travels throughout Europe & Worldwide ................ 76 Studying & Working in Different Countries ................................................. 77 Temporary Migration .................................................................................... 77 Holidays and Placements in New Zealand. ................................................... 78 Personal or Inspired Dream ................................................................................ 79 Men: Personal Dream .................................................................................... 80 Women: Inspired Dream ............................................................................... 81 Relationship & Family Paramount ................................................................ 82 Summary ........................................................................................................... 82 4 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________ Chapter 4 Enlivening the Dream ................................................ 84 Reasons and Conditions ..................................................................................... 85 Push Factors: Desire to Start a New Life Phase in Another Country .......................................................................................................... 88 Considering Alternative Migration Destinations .......................................... 97 Birth of Idea to Migrate to New Zealand ...................................................... 97 Pull Factors: Desire to go to New Zealand .................................................... 98 Belief: It is Important to Follow One’s Dream ............................................. 103 Conditions Facilitating or Hindering Migration ............................................ 104 Expectations and Goals ...................................................................................... 108 Inflated Expectations and Goals .................................................................... 108 Realistic Expectations and Goals .................................................................. 109 No Expectations and Long-term Goals ......................................................... 110 Difficulties Forming Expectations. ............................................................... 110 Migration: A Trial .............................................................................................. 111 Organisation of Preparation ................................................................................ 112 Building Foundations for the Life in New Zealand ...................................... 112 Dissolution of Life in Germany .................................................................... 116 Summary ........................................................................................................... 120 _________________________________ Chapter 5 Realising the Dream: Starting a New Life ........................ 121 Arrival: A Dream Coming True & Feeling at Home .......................................... 122 Beginning: Hard First Year ...............................................................................