Manaakitanga key to inclusive community
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is delighted to announce Rotorua Lakes Council among the latest group of councils to join the Welcoming Communities programme.
Eight new Councils are joining the Programme, designed to create inclusive environments where all residents can thrive and belong.
“We are grateful for the enthusiasm shown and the desire from Councils around the country to be part of such an important initiative that began five years ago,” says Fiona Whiteridge, General Manager of Refugee and Migrant Services INZ.
There are now 26 Councils taking part in the Welcoming Communities programme. Nationally thirty-eight per cent of city and district councils are now committed to making their communities more welcoming for everyone.
“Diversity brings richness to a community and people with different backgrounds bring different skills and experiences, different thinking and new ways of doing things,” says Rotorua Lakes Council Mayor Steve Chadwick.
“People who move here from other parts of the world want to contribute to the fabric of our society and it’s incumbent on us as a community to make them feel welcome, show them manaakitanga and provide the support they need to transition well into the new life they’ve chosen.
“We are so pleased to be part of the Welcoming Communities programme as part of our commitment to creating an inclusive community where people are connected and supported, and everyone can thrive.”
The other seven Councils joining the Programme this intake include Napier City, South Wairarapa District, Upper Hutt City, Westland District, Waitaki District, Marlborough District, and Hurunui District. Their involvement follows the three Councils that joined the programme in early 2022 – Nelson City, Tasman District, and Hastings District.
“This programme is an incredibly important tool for building strong and integrated communities, for making newcomers, no matter their background, feel included,” says Ms Whiteridge.
More on the accreditation programme:
Welcoming Communities supports councils and their communities to create welcoming environments for newcomers, specifically recent migrants, former refugees and international students.
The programme involves local residents in developing, delivering and participating in welcoming activities. This approach increases social engagement and provides opportunities to build social connections.
Immigration New Zealand provides funding, resources, accreditation, best practice information, networking opportunities, programme evaluation and guidance to participating councils.