Whanganui gains Welcoming Communities accreditation
Published on 29 June 2021
Whanganui District Council and the Whanganui community have received accreditation as an Established Welcoming Community.
Welcoming Communities - Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori, led by Immigration NZ, recognises that communities are healthier, happier and more productive when newcomers are welcomed and participate fully in society and in the local economy. The Welcoming Communities initiative supports councils and their communities to create an intentionally welcoming and inclusive place to live, work, play and visit.
The council’s community activator, Harriet McKenzie, says Whanganui District Council was invited to be part of the programme in January 2017, and has now achieved stage 2 out of a possible four stages.
“As part of the programme, the council and community developed a Whanganui Welcoming Communities Plan, which is overseen by the Whanganui Welcoming Communities advisory group.”
The plan outlines actions that will enhance newcomer experiences through improving access to information, promoting activities and services and celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion.
Harriet McKenzie says gaining stage 2 accreditation was a chance for the community to celebrate what has so far been achieved. “Whanganui has so many people and groups in our community doing amazing work to support newcomers to Whanganui.”
The council and Welcoming Communities Advisory Group will now be working towards stages 3 and 4 of accreditation. This includes reviewing the current welcoming plan to ensure that as Whanganui continues to grow in size and diversity, it is a place where everyone feels welcome and is able to thrive.
Fiona Whiteridge, general manager refugee and migrant services at Immigration NZ, says it is great to see another member of the Welcoming Communities family making progress with the programme.
“Gaining formal accreditation is an important step, and an achievement the Whanganui District Council and its community can be proud of. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate them for their efforts and their success.”