Listen up tamariki, mātua kēkē Jak is here to discuss something really important with yous this week. But firstly I’d like to take a minute to say that last week we attributed the poetry piece to the wrong author and the subject matter was sensitive. At this time, we apologise to Chelsea James (the correct author) and Cam Mailer (wrongly attributed author) and anyone who may have felt the effects of the poem itself. Art is subjective, sure, but we’re aware of the subject matter and how it could potentially be harmful. We apologise for the incorrect attribution once again. 

 

I want to get real with you for a second (cue everyone screaming that I do that every week) and talk about the immigration process and what affects a united passport may have on Kiwi heading overseas in the pursuit of just living wage. Recently I received a resounding no to an application for a Skilled Work Visa, not that big of a deal, under the premise that my degree and skill wasn’t required in the next year’s intake of required qualifications. That’s basically a mouthful of words that say, fuck off mate we don’t need you. I need to reiterate, I’m not mad, just disappointed. But the kicker is, I’m not disappointed with the no – I’m disappointed because the process just isn’t intuitive.

 

Not only did the process take months of collecting data and providing everything about me, and I do mean EVERYTHING, it also costs hella money. As a lower class Māori man growing up, I didn’t have a passport. I’ve actually never been on a manurere or to Te Waipounamu, so I had to get a passport. $199.00. You need to have a sponsored job or an employer willing to vouch for you. Then there’s the actual Visa costs:

 

– Application cost – $1203.89 (for me)

– Health Insurance cover for a year – $1200.04 

– Enough money to ensure personal support – $2446 (minimum)

 

For those of you following along, that’s a lot of fucking money. Monetary issues are rough, but the collection of legal documents and support makes the process far less desirable. Since we live in a country being butt-fucked by an economic decline, so many people are jumping ship in the hopes of gaining some kind of semblance or understanding of how they can contribute and make ends meet. The process is set to kill, point blank. 

 

As a point of reference, I was looking at moving to the UK, land of the mighty coloniser and recently fallen monarch. The point of this kōrero isn’t to say fuck emigrating but to chat about how shit the overall process is and to trust your instincts because they may just save you herengi in the long run. The idea of a passport valid across the commonwealth, however fundamentally difficult, could have lasting benefits in the long run aye. I don’t know, I’m not a foreign affairs expert – just some kid out 3k and pissed off. 

 

My job as your certified uncle (I have the NB sneakers and everything) isn’t to scare you from trying new shit in the world, but to make sure you have all the tools and the toolbelt to encourage success in the face of adversity. Take it from me, help offered and not taken is the devil in disguise. Trust those around you who want to ensure your success but also trust yourself. Actually trust no fucker, up the mighty… anyway. Stay safe out there kids, and until next time. Peace.