A brief history of Singaporeans in New Zealand
In the 1960s, Singaporeans began to arrive in New Zealand. In 1971, there were 975 Singapore-born people living in New Zealand, most were probably British expatriates.
In the 1960s, Singaporean students visited New Zealand. It was common to study overseas, as there were few places available at local universities. Initially, many found New Zealand boring and unbelievably quiet. Although students tended to return after completing their studies, their travels started a trail for future migrants.
In 1986 the New Zealand government no longer required Singaporeans to obtain visas. This open policy, together with the changes made to the immigration system in the following year, stimulated migration.
Life in Singapore was highly stressful, and many migrants arrived during the 1990s came to NZ in search of quieter life style. They invested heavily in businesses and residential property. But not all stayed – over the years some left as they found New Zealand’s economy too small to support their enterprises.
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The Singapore Club Christchurch (SCC)
SCC was set up by a group of professionals in 1993. During the early years, the club published quarterly newsletters and helped new migrants to settle in. They celebrated key festivals, including Singapore National Day on 9 August.
SCC has grown from a group of professionals running the club to their ordinary members taking turns to create a vibrant social club. Extra events have included Christmas and social functions. Over the 20 years, the club has managed to retain its vibrancy and has hosted many impressive National Day dinners. The highlight of the dinner has always been the grand prize of a return ticket to Singapore sponsored by the Singapore Airlines.
Today, SCC is making a paradigm shift into a 21st century club. With an increasingly complex and media-saturated society, it needs to recognise the needs of its members – a much needed diverse communication tools such as upgraded administration systems, social media connections and participation in the Christchurch wider communities. It aims to create plenty of opportunities for its members to socialise, share experiences, support one another and to be informed of the growing Christchurch rebuild.
From 2014, SCC aims to continue its roles in providing social events throughout the year. In addition, it is progressively adapting its status in the wider Christchurch society. Recently, SCC has allied with the Christchurch Migrant Centre and the Christchurch Multicultural Society.
"Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but you can see the world"
SCC Quote
In the 1960s, Singaporeans began to arrive in New Zealand. In 1971, there were 975 Singapore-born people living in New Zealand, most were probably British expatriates.
In the 1960s, Singaporean students visited New Zealand. It was common to study overseas, as there were few places available at local universities. Initially, many found New Zealand boring and unbelievably quiet. Although students tended to return after completing their studies, their travels started a trail for future migrants.
In 1986 the New Zealand government no longer required Singaporeans to obtain visas. This open policy, together with the changes made to the immigration system in the following year, stimulated migration.
Life in Singapore was highly stressful, and many migrants arrived during the 1990s came to NZ in search of quieter life style. They invested heavily in businesses and residential property. But not all stayed – over the years some left as they found New Zealand’s economy too small to support their enterprises.
--------------------
The Singapore Club Christchurch (SCC)
SCC was set up by a group of professionals in 1993. During the early years, the club published quarterly newsletters and helped new migrants to settle in. They celebrated key festivals, including Singapore National Day on 9 August.
SCC has grown from a group of professionals running the club to their ordinary members taking turns to create a vibrant social club. Extra events have included Christmas and social functions. Over the 20 years, the club has managed to retain its vibrancy and has hosted many impressive National Day dinners. The highlight of the dinner has always been the grand prize of a return ticket to Singapore sponsored by the Singapore Airlines.
Today, SCC is making a paradigm shift into a 21st century club. With an increasingly complex and media-saturated society, it needs to recognise the needs of its members – a much needed diverse communication tools such as upgraded administration systems, social media connections and participation in the Christchurch wider communities. It aims to create plenty of opportunities for its members to socialise, share experiences, support one another and to be informed of the growing Christchurch rebuild.
From 2014, SCC aims to continue its roles in providing social events throughout the year. In addition, it is progressively adapting its status in the wider Christchurch society. Recently, SCC has allied with the Christchurch Migrant Centre and the Christchurch Multicultural Society.
"Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but you can see the world"
SCC Quote