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History

The idea for the Network of Skilled Migrants Manawatū began in 2016 and soon grew into an established non-profit community organisation. Founded by Ariunaa (Ari) Mendtsoo, who like many of our members, arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand with professional skills but faced challenges settling into the workforce.

After migrating to Palmerston North with a background in civil engineering, Ariunaa experienced first-hand how difficult it can be to find work in a new country, even with strong qualifications and experience. Despite being highly skilled, the differences in local standards, unfamiliar recruitment processes, language barriers, and a lack of local work history created significant roadblocks.

While working at the Volunteer Resource Centre as Community Liaison Officer, Ariunaa noticed that many other skilled migrants were facing similar challenges. These included engineers, IT professionals, accountants, teachers, doctors, and others — all struggling to find meaningful work aligned with their qualifications. The city was missing out on a wealth of talent and potential, and it became clear that something needed to change.

While existing community service providers, such as Manawatu Multicultural Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, English Language Partners and others across Palmerston North existed to help new migrants settle, there was a clear gap in supporting skilled migrants into professional employment. With encouragement from others and funding support from the Palmerston North City Council for community-led initiatives, the Network of Skilled Migrants Manawatū was officially formed in 2017.

We began by offering practical support: workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, using LinkedIn for professional networking, understanding New Zealand’s job market, and navigating cultural differences in the workplace. Evening classes were also introduced to help strengthen English language skills. Later, we expanded our services to include workshops and
preparation sessions for IELTS exams.

We partnered with Welcoming Communities (PNCC), Manawatū Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses to help employers understand the value of hiring skilled migrants, as well as opening the dialogue around the barriers that migrants face when beginning their employment journey for the first time. In return, we offered support and learning opportunities to our members to help bridge the gaps in understanding and expectations.

We believe that a strong community starts with connection. Our work goes beyond helping individuals find employment — to create a network of peers who support one another as they build new lives in the Manawatū. Our members are not just recipients of support. We actively encourage participation within the network itself, with many members going on to volunteer, help organise events, or take on leadership roles and become board members.

Today, the Network of Skilled Migrants Manawatū continues to thrive, and we are regularly invited to contribute to local initiatives and conversations on workforce development, inclusion, and diversity. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of the Palmerston North City Council and the Mayor; and we are incredibly proud to be recognised as a valued part of the wider community.

With Gratitude

Our organisation has only been possible thanks to the commitment and generosity of many people over the years. We would like to sincerely thank the individuals who have played key roles in shaping, guiding, and supporting our journey.

Individuals who have contributed significantly:

  • Ariunaa (Ari) Mentdtsoo – Founder of the NSMM and first President
  • Himani Samarakoon – Past President
  • Sudam Bandara – Website Designer
  • Dmitri Sokolov – Board member with business background
  • Gina Chompinitkul – First long-term secretary
  • Maria-Susana Figlioli – Early member with legal background
  • Mike Gorinski – Board member
  • Carmela Laylo – Past president

We are very grateful to all our members for their involvement and contributions to our activity and events.

Organisations we would like to thank:

  • Ministry of Social Development
  • Palmerston North City Council
  • Manawatū Chamber of Commerce

Your backing has helped turn a community need into a long-lasting and positive force for change.