Multicultural Tauranga president Premila D’Mello said there were “mixed signals” towards migrants locally, with more concern shown during times of pressure.
“But every-day community interactions in the Bay of Plenty remain largely positive and inclusive.”
D’Mello said many felt welcomed in daily community life but also experienced pressure from housing, employment and system navigation challenges, rather than direct rejection.
“Migrant communities often get involved in volunteering roles while they are in search of employment, thus contributing to the community.”
She said a key misconception was that migrants took more than they contributed, when in fact they often filled “critical” workforce gaps.
“Migrants are essential to the Bay of Plenty’s economy and social fabric, sustaining key industries, supporting population growth, and enriching the region’s cultural diversity.”
President of Multicultural Tauranga, Premila D’Mello. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said immigration and internal migration had a key role to play in Tauranga’s future growth and success.
“Tauranga’s strength lies in its people.”
He said the construction, tourism and seasonal horticulture sectors underpinned Tauranga’s prosperity, relying heavily on migrant workers.
“[They] are essential to the day-to-day functioning of our city and wider region.”
Rotorua Multicultural Council president Margriet Theron said the city’s migrants were “highly skilled” professionals and tradespeople.
“They contribute hugely to our economy.”
Theron said there was a lot of “very positive” reaction to migrants in the region.
“See the Latin American Fiesta and the Sing Out Rotorua events, the positive reaction to the Parade of Nations at the Waitangi Day celebrations, and good attendance of migrants and Rotorua residents at events such as the Sri Lankan New Year celebration.”
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said the high scepticism towards immigration “genuinely saddens” her.
Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell. Photo / Laura Smith
“Much of this belief comes from discrimination and ignores the incredible value migrants bring to our communities.”
She said given what was happening around the world, people should be proud that New Zealand was seen as a “safe and stable” country.
“I do acknowledge there are locals feeling pressure right now with the increasing cost of living and housing affordability, which are very real challenges.
“But blaming others is not going to fix it.”
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer said the Western Bay community “mostly” had a positive attitude towards immigrants.
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer. Photo / David Hall
“There is recognition of the economic benefit they help support, particularly our booming kiwifruit industry.”
Denyer said the region’s fast growth led to housing and infrastructure pressure, which was frustrating for some.
“However, much of this growth is internally generated within New Zealand rather than from immigrants directly, so it is incorrect to assign these issues solely to immigration.”
Economic development agency Priority One’s chief executive Dave Courtney said being open and inclusive played a key role in how the region presented itself towards attracting talent and investment.
“Migrant workers are an important part of the workforce mix, complementing local talent rather than replacing it.”
He said there was a strong focus from employers on developing local capability and workforce pathways.
“But migration remains an essential lever to address immediate and ongoing gaps.”
Migrant doubt and economic pressure linked
Economist and co-author of the report Shamubeel Eaqub said of the 2882 people surveyed nationally, 172 were from the Bay of Plenty.
All figures were weighted to be representative of the New Zealand population, differences of more than five percentage points from the national average were flagged.
“On almost every immigration measure, the region sits five to 11 points more sceptical than the rest of the country.”
Forty-five % said immigration was too high, 44% said diversity strengthened New Zealand, and 46% agreed immigrants were good for the economy.
“The Bay of Plenty has both above-average immigration scepticism and high financial dissatisfaction, and the national data suggests those two things are connected.”
Eaqub said this was related to the economic pressure people were under.
“When people feel the system isn’t keeping up, immigration becomes the most visible explanation.”
Whakatāne Mayor Nándor Tánczos said the report showed financial stress and insecurity were the strongest contributors to declining trust and negative attitudes towards “perceived outsiders”.
He said when people were under pressure, it became easier for fear, resentment and misinformation to “take hold”.
“Forty years of neoliberal economic policies have put a large chunk of our people in poverty and feeling left out of the social contract.”
He said frustration and blame was pointed away from the choices made by successive governments and instead focused on groups with less power.
“These dynamics matter because they can fracture communities and weaken trust in institutions and democratic systems.”
Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.