I think of my in-laws, who I'm very close to. Decades ago, they left communist-controlled lands and made their way to New Zealand. My father-in-law was a refugee who escaped Pol Pot in Cambodia, a Marxist dictator who murdered at least 2 million of his own people, including my father-in-law's father and sisters. My mother-in-law left behind a nation still grappling with the after-effects of the Cultural Revolution and years of famine. Say what you like about Muldoon at the time, but I think I know where I'd rather live. My in-laws set up successful businesses and worked hard in physically demanding jobs that they themselves created from nothing. Since arriving in New Zealand the only day they have taken off each year is Christmas Day, and work every other day. I'd like to say that this is exception but actually, for many migrants, it's not, it's quite normal, and I pay tribute to each and every new New Zealander.