Welcoming Communities

Nau mai, haere mai - join us in welcoming newcomers to our rohe (district) with the manaakitanga (hospitality) that we’re known for.

Welcoming Communities

Established in 2017, Welcoming Communities is a settlement programme led by Immigration New Zealand that supports councils and their communities to create welcoming and inclusive environments for newcomers.

More than 60 ethnicities are represented in the Rotorua community with each newcomer bringing a specific skillset, style and thinking pattern that diversifies and enriches our whole community!

Welcoming Plan

Launched September 2025, the Rotorua Welcoming Plan sets out goals across a range of partnerships over the next few years to strengthen support for welcoming and supporting newcomers.

The plan was created with invaluable input by the Rotorua Migrant Settlement Network and many other local organisations including Rotorua Multicultural Council, Ta Tatau o Te Arawa, New Zealand Police, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Rotorua Business Chamber, English Language Partners Rotorua, Rotorua Citizens Advice Bureau and the Rotorua English Language Academy.

See full news release here

Information for newcomers