Callister & Associates
- economic and social research -
Selected 2007 Publications
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'Family ethnicity': Knitting a jumper using two woolly concepts
Callister, P., Didham, R., Newell, J. and Potter, D. (2007) Social Policy Journal, 32: 32-48.
Abstract: While ethnicity, as collected in surveys in New Zealand, is a personal attribute not a group measure, there is some demand from the policy community and researchers for measures of family ethnicity. Yet both ethnicity and family are "woolly" concepts. The paper explores the uses made of ethnic family measures in research and policy making in New Zealand and, based on census data, explores a range of possible classification systems.
The diversity of individual ethnic affiliations within New Zealand families leads us to suggest that measures of family ethnicity that incorporate the responses of all individuals are likely to be more suitable for informing research and policy than those that lead to an artificial simplification of ethnic responses.
Gender, mobility and migration into New Zealand: A Case study of Asian migration
Badkar, J., Callister, P., Krishnan, V., Didham, R and Bedford, R. (2007) Social Policy Journal, 32: 152-180.
Abstract: Skilled migration flows into New Zealand are important to the Department of Labour's goal of building New Zealand's workforce and attracting (and retaining) talent to contribute to the nation's economic transformation. Globally, female migrants constitute nearly half of all migrants in developed and developing countries. This global presence of women in migration is also reflected in the increase of women using what have previously been male-dominated migration streams.
This research paper focuses on the migration of Asian women into New Zealand for two reasons. Firstly, Asian migrants are a significant and increasing source of skilled labour, which New Zealand is in competition for; and secondly, the 2006 Census shows that in key working-age groups there are significantly more Asian women than men living in New Zealand. The Department of Labour's databases were analysed to calculate trends and gender ratios in migrants entering New Zealand through the Skilled/Business stream and Temporary categories from 1997/98 to 2005/06 as principal applicants. Our results show that although men dominate the overall Skilled/Business stream and Temporary categories, there is large diversity by nationality and women from some Asian countries are critical players in the migration process.
Census data, which represent the net result of inflows and outflows, suggest that there have been more Asian women than men migrating to New Zealand. Department of Labour immigration data do not fully support this overall gendered migration from Asia, but consideration of gender, age, country of origin and migration stream uncovers much complexity within these overall flows.
Sub-replacement fertility: Is this an issue for New Zealand?
Callister, P. and Didham, R. (2007), Policy Quarterly, 3(4): 4-10. Download 'Sub-replacement fertility' here. [259 KB pdf]
Is low fertility a problem for New Zealand? The continued stability of the Total Fertility Rates around replacement level over the last 30 years is an important indicator that the severe sub-replacement fertility experience in parts of Europe, for example, will not be a part of New Zealand's fertility future at least in the short term.
However, if child-bearing trends continue, the fertility rate is likely to drop unless the increases in childlessness are offset by increases in the average family size. The degree to which fertility changes in the medium term will depend on the relationship between these two factors.
In recent decades fertility policy has not been high on the policy agenda in New Zealand. If fertility policy is going to become more central in debates it cannot be considered in isolation. It needs to be thought about in the light of wider policy discussions, including those around migration, climate change and sustainability both nationally and internationally, family, health, and labour market policy.
Parental Leave in New Zealand 2005/2006 Evaluation
Callister, P. (2007) Department of Labour. Download or read online here.
Abstract: In 2002, the government introduced paid parental leave. Initially it was for a period of 12 weeks, which increased to 14 weeks in 2005 and extended eligibility to employees who had six months service or more with the same employer. In July 2006, the entitlement was extended to self-employed parents. Today, more than 20,000 parents access Government-funded paid parental leave every year.
This evaluation, conducted by the Department of Labour, examines the effectiveness of New Zealand's parental leave legislation. The evaluation explores the decision-making and experiences of working parents before, during and after parental leave. Employers are also asked for their experiences and the evaluation includes feedback from parents ineligible for parental leave.
Special measures to reduce ethnic disadvantage in New Zealand: An examination of their role
Callister, P. (2007) Wellington, Institute of Policy Studies. More about this book.
Abstract: During the post-war era, governments in New Zealand and in many other countries have introduced policies designed to achieve greater equality between ethnic groups. These have variously referred to as 'positive discrimination', 'preferential treatment', 'affirmative action', 'measures to ensure equality' and 'special measures'.
The book considers the measurement of ethnicity and the causes of ethnic disadvantage, the nature and history of special measures in New Zealand, and the strengths and weaknesses of such measures. It concludes with reflections on the circumstances under which such measures are likely to be most effective, as well as politically acceptable.
Some emerging demographic features of the Pacific population in New Zealand
Callister, P. and Didham, R. (2007) Background paper prepared for Thought Leaders Dialogue - With the Pacific.....About the Pacific, Auckland 30 and 31 August 2007 Download 'Some emerging demographic features of the Pacific population in NZ'. [329 KB pdf]
Abstract: This paper provides a brief set of background New Zealand demographic data to help inform discussions around a wider set of papers that focus on Pacific economic and social issues. To set the New Zealand data in a wider context, the paper begins with a brief overview of the relative population sizes of island nations within the Pacific. It then uses census data to show changes through to 2006 in the size of the Pacific population within New Zealand.
Three issues are then examined. First, there is a short section on changing sex ratios amongst Pacific peoples and the possible implications of these changes. The second issue briefly canvassed is emerging trends in the gender balance in educational participation and attainment for Pacific people living in New Zealand and some possible implications of this change. Finally, there is an exploration of the levels of ethnic intermarriage within the Pacific community and, as a result of this intermarriage, the growing number of Pacific people who record more than one ethnic group.
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