Feeling at home: A multisensory analysis of former refugee and host society residents' integration in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

In this article we explore the multisensory experiences through which former refugee and host society residents develop, maintain, negotiate, and co-construct feelings of homeliness in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. Drawing upon data generated through semi-structured interviews and collaborative painting workshops with eight participants, we found that everyday multisensory stimuli were significant in shaping individual feelings towards different places, and evoking memories which further shaped unique place-based experiences. Whilst negative sensory memories at times caused anxiety and stress, individuals could also draw upon their past experiences to make connections that helped them to navigate complex sociospatial environments. These multilayered connections enabled individuals to (re)construct cultural identities in their new city, which was significant in enhancing a sense of homeliness and belonging. However, the consequences that resettlement had on changing social demographics and place dynamics also diminished a sense of homeliness for host society residents, leading to pressure being placed upon former refugees to adopt dominant cultural norms. The significant impact of everyday multisensory experiences and associated memories of place on individual resettlement and social integration suggest that these affective processes require greater attention in conceptualisations of home and belonging during refugee resettlement.