Asian Migrant Worker Experiences in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Abstract

This chapter presents the marginalised voices in the Otautahi Christchurch recovery and ongoing disasters by exploring the experiences of Asian migrant workers, particularly Filipinos. These Asian migrant workers are essential workers as they have filled the segmented labour market gaps in the Otautahi rebuild, redevelopment and further growth. However, they are often exploited and treated as “invisible second-class citizens”. We explore the structural factors in their home countries and Aotearoa New Zealand that shape migrant worker vulnerability and resilience. In our analysis, we take a critical approach and take into consideration the paradox of marginalised groups being simultaneously vulnerable and resilient. We emphasise the importance of social capital yet, instead of solely focusing on individualised empowerment, call for structural transformation to develop new Otautahi, which is a more inclusive, diverse, multicultural and just society.