5 Oct 2023

Pathways for climate migrants to NZ 'urgently needed'

From , 6:00 am on 5 October 2023
Dr Olivia Yates

Dr Olivia Yates Photo: The University of Auckland

A researcher from the University of Auckland says immigration reforms are urgently needed to create a pathway for climate migration to New Zealand from low-lying atoll countries. 

Dr Olivia Yates is the lead author of a research report called, 'Preparing for Climate Mobility from Tuvalu and Kiribati to Aotearoa', released this week for Tuvalu Language week. 

She says there are no formal immigration pathways for Tuvaluans and i-Kiribati to migrate here for climate-related reasons, instead they have to navigate an insufficient system that results in community members "falling through the cracks" without valid visas. 

She spoke with Pacific Waves host Susana Suisuiki