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New communities and councils join the Welcoming Communities programme
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is announcing new members to the Welcoming Communities programme.
Three new Councils and regions are joining the programme designed to create inclusive environments where all residents can thrive and belong.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council, the Central Otago District Council, and the Rangitīkei District Council are the new additions to the programme. Their involvement follows the Hamilton City Council, the Horowhenua District Council, and the Masterton District Council joining the initiative earlier this year.
It means there are now 15 Councils and 11 regions across New Zealand that are part of Welcoming Communities.
Fiona Whiteridge, Immigration New Zealand’s General Manager of Refugee and Migrant Services, says it’s great to have the new participants on board.
“This is the second time this year we’ve been able to announce new regions joining the Welcoming Communities programme. It’s great to see more and more councils taking part in a programme that’s an important tool in making communities stronger and improving social cohesion. Welcoming Communities are stronger communities, and that’s a win for all involved”.
The next steps will see INZ work with the new participants to help them meet the standards required to achieve formal Welcoming Communities accreditation. You can find out more about this, and the support provided on our website.
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