Story: Immigration regulation

For much of the 19th century, New Zealand’s doors were open to all. But in 1881 the first barriers were set up, to hold back Chinese immigrants. By the 1920s, it became harder for anyone who was not British to get in. Russians, Italians, Japanese, Africans – people from all over the globe faced restrictions. There was a ‘White New Zealand’ policy in practice, if not in name. By the end of the 20th century, other conditions were applied to immigrants, such as whether they had job skills or financial assets, or were in need of refuge.

Story by Ann Beaglehole
Main image: English language class, Wellington, 2004

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Early immigration

After 1840 and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, anyone could enter New Zealand freely, but those who were not British were seen as ‘aliens’.

The first restrictions came in 1881. Chinese people wishing to settle in New Zealand had to pay a fee known as the poll tax. It was believed that New Zealand should become a ‘Britain of the South’, rather than accepting Asian people. The government was also worried that the Chinese would take jobs away from New Zealanders. Other non-British immigrants who arrived later faced some barriers, but people of British descent could settle freely until the 1970s.

Some people opposed the harsh immigration laws when they were passed. Later generations were ashamed of this discrimination against Asians and others. In 2002 the prime minister apologised to the Chinese community for the suffering these rules had caused.

20th-century controls

After the First World War, there were restrictions on Germans and people with certain political beliefs entering New Zealand. From 1920 until 1974, the minister of customs could exclude any people who were ‘unsuitable’. These were usually people not born in Britain or of British heritage. The 1920 Immigration Restriction Amendment Act was aimed mainly at Asian immigration, but did not stop this completely.

Changes in immigration policy

In the last quarter of the 20th century the rules changed, and people were no longer stopped from immigrating because of their race or nationality. They were accepted because of their job skills, financial assets or family relationships. Refugees seeking safety from persecution or death in their homeland were also admitted. But the most important factor was whether an immigrant could help New Zealand’s economy.

It became easier for Asian people to immigrate in the 1970s. New laws in the 1980s finally ended the ‘White New Zealand’ policy.

Australians and Pacific Islanders

Australian citizens have always been free to enter New Zealand. There are special arrangements for Pacific Islanders, some of whom are New Zealand citizens and can enter freely.

How to cite this page:

Ann Beaglehole, 'Immigration regulation', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/immigration-regulation (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Ann Beaglehole, published 8 February 2005, updated 1 August 2015