Welcoming Communities

The Welcoming Communities initiative brings together local government councils and communities to make the places we love more welcoming for everyone.

Welcoming Communities Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori is led by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in partnership with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, along with the Human Rights Commission.

Councils and communities that would like to be part of the Welcoming Communities programme are invited to submit an expression of interest.

The Welcoming Communities Standard is a key component of the Welcoming Communities programme.

Councils and communities gain recognition as being welcoming to newcomers by becoming accredited Welcoming Communities. Progressing through the 4 stages of accreditation has many benefits.

Find out about the benefits of becoming an accredited Welcoming Community and how to apply for accreditation.

Our Welcoming Communities stories shine a light on the innovative welcoming activities already underway as part of the Welcoming Communities programme. They can inspire and inform new initiatives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

Welcoming Communities resources are to help you create more inclusive and welcoming communities. The resources are to help grow welcoming efforts in your community.

Find out about Welcoming Week 2023 and get free resources to help you showcase and celebrate communities in Aotearoa New Zealand for Welcoming Week.