Setting a Standard for a Welcoming Community
Published on 18 December 2017
18 December 2017
Around the world Kiwis are renowned for being friendly, hospitable and inclusive – qualities highlighted in a new two-year pilot programme which launched a Welcoming Communities Standard (the standard) on Tuesday 12th of December.
Developed by Immigration New Zealand and local government councils in five regions, including Whanganui, the Welcoming Communities programme supports local councils and their communities to become even more welcoming to recent migrants, former refugees, international students and even New Zealanders coming from elsewhere.
Whanganui District Council is one of nine local councils taking part in the pilot programme, with Katy Newton recently hired as a coordinator for Whanganui’s programme. Based on its success, the programme may be rolled out to other regions in New Zealand from July 2019.
Immigration New Zealand’s National Settlement Manager Judi Altinkaya says, “Communities that proactively foster an environment where newcomers feel welcomed are more likely to enjoy better social connections and engagement. The Welcoming Communities programme recognises that welcoming activities build links between local residents and newcomers – and with that comes positive social, economic and cultural benefits for the community and New Zealand as a whole.
Welcoming Communities activity seeks to involve local residents in welcoming activities. This new approach builds links between the receiving communities and newcomers.”
Mayor Hamish McDouall says Whanganui is attracting increasing numbers of new residents from all over New Zealand and the world.
“I appreciate this wonderful diversity every time we gather for one of our regular citizenship ceremonies,” he says, “Our new arrivals from overseas enrich our community with new perspectives and culture.
“Whanganui is a welcoming place and we’re pleased to be a participating council in the pilot programme for the new Welcoming Communities programme.”
At the heart of the programme is the standard which provides councils and community stakeholders with a benchmark for a successful welcoming community. The standard was finalised yesterday after public consultation earlier this year.
There are eight elements to the outcome-based standard. The elements include equitable access, inclusive leadership, civic engagement and participation and welcoming public spaces.
For more information on the programme you can visit the Immigration New Zealand website at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/