Sacrifices, expectations and outcomes: the children of long-term temporary migration

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This paper investigates the long-term impacts on children of ni-Vanuatu seasonal workers participating in New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE) and Australia’s Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP). It forms part of an extensive longitudinal study that spans from 2007 to 2024, utilizing long-term ethnographic research to closely follow the lives of these workers and their families.

The study examines how the prolonged absence of migrant parents for over a decade has influenced their children, who are now primarily adults, by exploring their experiences and perspectives. It considers the broader effects of seasonal migration on households and communities, particularly how children have perceived their parents' sacrifices and the associated benefits, such as enhanced resources and opportunities and unintended negative outcomes.

Additionally, the research highlights the role of family and community in managing migration decisions and expectations. It also explores the phenomena of intergenerational migration and the evolving culture of migration within these communities. Findings reveal that despite the challenges posed by migration, family relationships have generally been well-maintained, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of both workers and their families. Overall, this paper underscores the intricate interplay between migration, family dynamics, and the long-term well-being of children and communities involved in temporary seasonal work programs.

Speaker

Rochelle Bailey joined the Department of Pacific Affairs as a Research Fellow to work on labour migration issues. She has conducted eighteen years of ethnographic research on Pacific labour mobility while researching New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE). Rochelle has worked on politics, intergovernmental relationships, regionalism, economics, social change, and migration issues in the Pacific since 2004. Since joining the department, Rochelle has continued her research with her New Zealand and ni-Vanuatu participants alongside participants involved in Australia’s Seasonal Worker Program and has published three In Briefs highlighting her research. These examine development outcomes from participation in labour mobility schemes for employers, Pacific seasonal workers and communities in host and sending regions.