Immigration New Zealand (INZ) commends both Rotorua Lakes and Hurunui District Councils for reaching a major milestone in the Welcoming Communities programme. 

The Councils and their communities have been officially recognised as Committed Welcoming Communities in the Welcoming Communities programme, led by Immigration New Zealand.

This accreditation recognises that the Rotorua Lakes and Hurunui District Councils and their communities are welcoming of newcomers. It also acknowledges that their regions are committed to building diverse communities enabling people to thrive and belong.

Welcoming Communities members

There are currently 34 Councils, 5 local boards and their communities in the Welcoming Communities programme.

Rotorua Lakes and Hurunui District Councils join 14 other communities in the programme to have achieved accreditation status under the 4 stages of accreditation: Committed, Established, Advanced and Excelling.

• Ashburton District Council
• Central Otago District Council
• Gore District Council
• Hamilton City Council
• Hastings District Council.
• Invercargill City Council
• Palmerston North City Council
• Queenstown Lakes District Council
• Rangitīkei District Council
• Selwyn District Council
• Southland District Council
• Tauranga City Council
• Western Bay of Plenty District Council
• Whanganui District Council

Welcoming Communities programme and its work – INZ website