Transplanted and bedding in

Two Asian migrants relish the quiet and clean environment of their adopted homeland, writes CATHERINE MASTERS.

Allen Chan doesn't just like living in New Zealand, he loves it.

"This is my home now," says the genial manager of Food Alley in Albert St, Auckland, who emigrated from Malaysia 15 years ago.

He came as a single man, married a Singaporean woman already here and now has two young children.

The 42-year-old has no regrets about moving and does not plan to return home.

"No way. I die here," he says with a smile.

Mr Chan is among the one in eight Aucklanders who are of Asian ethnicity and says he came here because he wanted a change - "to go somewhere more interesting."

At school in his small hometown of Kuantan on the east coast of Malaysia, he was intrigued about Australia and New Zealand during geography lessons.

When he was older he read an advertisement saying Malaysians and Singaporeans were the preferred migrants to these countries.

"We have a British system, so it's much easier for us to adjust here. It's easier to blend in."

Why does he love it in New Zealand?

"There are so many reasons: the caring nature of the Kiwis, and the environment.

"They care for the environment - you know, clean and green. To be frank, back home in Asian country they don't really focus on the environment like we do.

"Most of all, I like the clean weather.

"The air is good and there's more room. In a way it's quiet but you get used to it."

Mr Chan has not encountered any racism and says most people are pretty good.

"But wherever you go there are bound to have some good people and some bad people. Generally I don't find any trouble at all."

He believes problems between cultures usually arise from language difficulties. Good communication is vital.

Mr Chan has many Kiwi friends and these days even follows rugby - though cricket is still a mystery to him. He loves it when an All Black or Warrior league player calls into the food hall for a meal.

Dining there yesterday was Harry Darmawan, a 44-year-old new migrant from Jakarta in Indonesia.

Although he has only been in the country since October, he also likes New Zealand and hopes to bring his wife and three children here soon.

"What made me come to New Zealand is because quality of living and safety. The rules are clear. There are no rules in Indonesia."

But so far the merchant banker has been unable to find work in his field because, as many new immigrants complain, he has no "New Zealand experience".

"But how can I get New Zealand experience and a Kiwi accent?"

Still, like Mr Chan, he has no regrets and says if he cannot get work in banking he may set up a business, such as a food stall or a shop of some kind.

Auckland is quiet compared with Jakarta, a city of 12.5 million people, but Mr Darmawan also says the air is better, he likes the cooler climate and hopes his children will settle easily.

"I'm not worried about it. As long as they know how to behave, that's the most important thing."