Local Welcoming Communities Coordinator Raj Seneviratne, a migrant himself, was appointed to the role in August 2022 and is responsible for developing a ‘Welcoming Plan’ based on findings through engagement with newcomers, local iwi and the Rotorua community.
The ‘Welcoming Plan’ will involve local residents in developing, delivering and participating in welcoming activities that create communities where everyone can belong, participate, contribute and thrive.
Linking to Council’s Community Wellbeing work of connected, thriving communities that promote wellbeing and inclusion and the programme also feeds into the goal of He Hapori Pūmanawa I A Resilient Community which is about creating inclusive, liveable and safe neighbourhoods, giving residents a sense of place and confidence to be involved and connected.
Welcoming Communities is a founding member of Welcoming International, which has a membership of more than 250 councils and cities around the world.
