Councils and local boards reach new Welcoming Communities accreditation milestones

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is delighted to announce that 3 councils and 5 local boards have achieved new milestones in the Welcoming Communities programme, Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori.

Porirua City Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, and 5 Auckland Council local boards have successfully attained Stage 2 accreditation as Established Welcoming Communities. The Auckland local boards are Albert-Eden, Kaipātiki, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Puketāpapa and Whau.

Waimakariri District Council has achieved Stage 1 accreditation as a Committed Welcoming Community, marking an important first step in its Welcoming Communities journey.

Welcoming Communities is a programme that helps councils and local communities create places where everyone feels welcomed, included and able to participate, particularly newcomers such as recent migrants, former refugees and international students.

Through the programme, councils work with local residents, mana whenua, community organisations and newcomers to develop initiatives that foster connection, belonging and participation. Communities can then apply for accreditation, which recognises their progress against the Welcoming Communities Standard for New Zealand.

Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to creating inclusive and connected communities where newcomers can settle successfully and contribute to local social, cultural and economic life.

Accreditation for the programme has 4 stages:

• Stage 1 – Committed Welcoming Community
• Stage 2 – Established Welcoming Community
• Stage 3 – Advanced Welcoming Community
• Stage 4 – Excelling Welcoming Community

The Welcoming Communities Standard for New Zealand sets the benchmark for what a successful welcoming community looks like. Member councils work with local communities to develop and implement Welcoming Plans that support social, economic, civic and cultural inclusion

“Creating welcoming communities is an important part of helping newcomers settle successfully and build a sense of belonging,” says National Manager Refugee and Migrant Services Andrew Lockhart.

“These accreditation achievements recognise the commitment councils, local boards, mana whenua, community organisations and residents have made to ensuring newcomers feel welcomed, included and connected.

“Whether people are arriving from overseas or relocating from elsewhere in New Zealand, having a place where they can participate, contribute and thrive benefits everyone.

“We congratulate Porirua City Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, Waimakariri District Council, and Auckland Council's Albert-Eden, Kaipātiki, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Puketāpapa and Whau local boards on reaching these important milestones.”

The councils and local boards recognised today have shown leadership in strengthening inclusion and belonging for newcomers. Through the accreditation process they have assessed their progress, identified opportunities for improvement, and embedded practices that help attract, support and retain newcomers.

For newcomers, welcoming communities can make a significant difference to settling successfully in New Zealand. They help people build connections, access local services, participate in community life, and develop a sense of belonging.

INZ congratulates all councils and local boards recognised today for their ongoing commitment to making Aotearoa New Zealand a place where everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about the Welcoming Communities programme on our website.

Welcoming Communities