Welcoming Week — National Schools Competition
Welcoming Week is a time to celebrate how communities work to be a welcoming place for all. This competition invites students from primary through to secondary school to showcase their creativity and compassion by designing projects that celebrate diversity and promote inclusion.
National Schools Competition
This year, INZ (Immigration New Zealand) with the support of Welcoming Communities coordinators, local councils and the Ministry of Education, has launched a National Schools Competition to help students engage and participate in Welcoming Week sharing their stories of connection, collaboration and community. The regional finalists and national winners will be featured below as part of our Welcoming Week 2025 campaign.
Primary school national winner
Come together koru - Haere mai
"People should come together even if they are different, be brave!"
Entry by: Eva W
Queenstown Primary School
Left to right
(L) Silvia Dancose - Welcoming Communities coordinator - Queenstown Lakes district council (middle) Eva W overall winner (R) Susan McIntyre (Year 5 Teacher)
Primary school regional finalists
Together we're stronger
"The hands represent peace and a star shape. It features different languages and cultures, like our cross-cultural friendship"
Entry by: Bani, Jasmine, Niko and Brooke
Queenstown Primary School
Fish friendship frenzy
"All fish are different, but they are still the same"
Entry by: Olivia, Eunice, and Valentina
Queenstown Primary School
Secondary school national winner
Small acts of kindness matter
“Imagine a place where no one feels alone, where the kindness is the language everyone one of us speaks, that place could be our community if we decided to live by the golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you!”
Entry by: Jeff
Te Aratai College — Christchurch
(Student in school uniform standing in a classroom)
Kia ora, my name is Jefferson or Jeff for short and I'm from Te Aratai College.
Imagine a place where no one feels alone, where the kindness is the language every one of us speaks. That place could be our community if we decided to live by the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
A small act matters. For example, a teenager tutoring younger kids for free. A shop owner donating leftover bread to the homeless, or a group organising a beach for a cleanup.
This effort spread kindness like sunlight. Inclusion means no one is left on the outside looking in.
In schools, circle time, students voice be heard. Creative happiness builders could be art walls where anyone can paint. Multicultural food fairs or storytelling nights where people share life lessons.
Safety grows when neighbours know and trust each other. Our beautiful country thrives when we value not just the land but the people.
A single stick breaks easily but a bundle is strong. Let us be that strong bundle.
Secondary school regional finalists
Salonis dance
"This dance marks the first step in honouring our elders, mentors, and teachers. Their guidance and blessings strengthen our community. Manaakitanga is about showing respect, kindness, and care—especially towards those who lead and teach us."
Entry by: Saloni
Te Aratai College — Christchurch
(Student in a school dancing to music. She is wearing a red dress. No spoken words — music playing in background.)
Building stronger communities at Freyberg
Entry by: Khloe, Faith, Jimmy and Ariq
Freyberg High School — Palmerston North
(School student standing in front of a sign that reads "Languages")
Here at Freyberg, there's a variety of language to learn. We have Japanese, sign language, and Māori and much more in the future.
(Cut to a school student sitting in the library)
Talofa Lava, my name is Faith. At Freyberg High School every year, we have a special day called Refugee Day. On this day, we gather new Kiwis or students from different cultures together in our library for an amazing day.
(Cut to a school student sitting in the cafeteria)
Lastly, let's not forget about food. At Freyberg High School, we have special food made for people who can only eat halal food or even have allergies like dairy free and lactose intolerant.
(Cut to a different school student sitting in the cafeteria)
Also to those who are vegan so that everyone can enjoy their lunch.
(Cut to a student in the school gym)
Hi, my name is Chloe. I'm from Palmerston North and I like the sports department at Freyberg.
(Cut to another student in the school gym)
I'm Jimmy. I'm from Palmerston North and what I like about Freyberg is hanging out with friends.
(Cut to two school students standing in front of a door)
Both Speakers: Let's build stronger communities together.
A huge congratulations to all our amazing entrants!
We are absolutely blown away by the creativity, passion, and effort shown by all the students and supporting schools who entered this year’s competition. Your ideas and stories truly inspired us, thank you for being part of something so special.
Ka mau te wehi to our national winners and regional finalists in both the primary and secondary school categories, you have done an incredible job and should be very proud! This competition is all about celebrating the power of “Building Stronger communities together” where everyone feels they belong, no matter where they come from. We loved seeing how you expressed this through your entries, and we are excited to see more next year.
A huge thank you to all the schools, teachers, and councils who supported the inaugural National Schools Competition. Your commitment to inclusion and diversity is helping shape a more welcoming Aotearoa. We can’t wait to engage with even more schools and students during Welcoming Week next year, let’s continue building communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.
Nga mihi,
The Welcoming Communities team.