The social issue that's more of a moral panic

New Zealand’s immigration policy frequently becomes a focal point of electoral cycles, often characterized by political rhetoric that frames migration as a social threat rather than an economic necessity. Despite periodic "moral panics," the country maintains a merit-based, points-driven system that effectively selects skilled migrants to address labor market needs. Demographer Paul Spoonly highlights that current immigration levels are generally appropriate, though the system lacks adequate post-arrival support, such as language acquisition and professional networking, which would better integrate newcomers. While some political parties propose restrictive measures like citizenship tests, these are often dismissed as performative. Instead, a more evidence-based approach—modeled on successful strategies in countries like Canada—would prioritize long-term economic stability and social cohesion over the volatile, often divisive, political narratives currently dominating the pre-election discourse.