Exploring distancing among Sri Lankan migrants in New Zealand

People who migrate often experience complex inter-connections between their countries of origin and new host societies. This paper explores the ways in which Sri Lankan migrants living in New Zealand navigate distances (geographical, social and relational) between their country of origin (Sri Lanka) and new host nation (New Zealand). To explore such processes we engaged eight Sri Lankan migrant households through repeat interviews, which were enhanced by photo-elicitation, object-related methods, and go-along techniques. Drawing insights from the resulting empirical materials, we document how particular places, such as culturally-textured kitchens, can bridge distances between the two countries. Our analysis also documents how migrant negotiations of distance are dynamic, relational and determined by socio-cultural contexts.