In a positive development for social cohesion and community integration, the Christchurch City Council has recently joined the Welcoming Communities settlement program, a collaborative effort led by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The program, known as Welcoming Communities – Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori, is designed to assist local councils in creating inclusive and welcoming environments for newcomers, as well as benefitting New Zealanders returning home or relocating within the country.
As of January 16, 2024, Christchurch City Council becomes the latest addition to the Welcoming Communities initiative, following the participation of 7 councils and 5 local community boards earlier in the year. With this inclusion, a total of 35 councils, 5 local community boards, and associated communities across New Zealand are now actively engaged in making their regions more welcoming. This accounts for over one-third of city and district councils nationally, illustrating a growing commitment to fostering inclusivity.
Welcoming Communities provides participating councils with essential support, including funding, resources, accreditation, best practice information, networking opportunities, and program evaluation. Fiona Whiteridge, INZ’s General Manager of Refugee and Migrant Services, expressed enthusiasm about Christchurch City Council’s dedication to the program, highlighting the positive impact of strengthening communities and fostering social cohesion.
“We appreciate the commitment of all participants in the Welcoming Communities programme, from those who have just joined to those who have been with us since the program began almost 6 years ago,” says Fiona. She emphasized the role of each participant in building strong and connected communities, making newcomers from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and included, ultimately contributing to the success of everyone involved.
INZ is set to collaborate with Christchurch City Council to facilitate their formal accreditation under the Welcoming Communities initiative. The addition of Christchurch to the program signifies a continued momentum towards creating a more inclusive and connected New Zealand.
This move aligns with a broader national trend, with Welcoming Communities now encompassing a significant portion of local governance bodies. The program’s success lies in its collaborative approach, with councils across the country working together to ensure a warm and supportive environment for both newcomers and existing residents.
The commitment of Christchurch City Council to Welcoming Communities reinforces the notion that embracing diversity is essential for the prosperity and vibrancy of communities. As the program continues to gain traction, it is anticipated that more councils will follow suit, contributing to a nation where everyone feels valued, included, and empowered to succeed.
FAQ:
What is Welcoming communities?
Welcoming Communities is a collaborative initiative in New Zealand, uniting 34 local councils and 5 local boards to create inclusive and welcoming environments for newcomers, such as recent migrants, former refugees, and international students. The program, known as Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori, emphasizes the friendly and inclusive nature of Kiwis, aiming to enhance social outcomes and foster economic growth by building connections between locals and newcomers.
The support provided by Immigration New Zealand includes knowledge sharing, the development of the Welcoming Communities Standard, Welcoming Plans, and Accreditation. Communities are encouraged to apply for accreditation, showcasing success in implementing Welcoming Plans. Seed funding is offered to employ Welcoming Communities coordinators, facilitating program implementation over three years.
Welcoming Communities is part of an international network, with similar initiatives in Australia, Canada, Europe, the United States, and through the Welcoming International network. This collaborative effort strives to create an environment where everyone feels included and can actively participate in the economic, civic, cultural, and social life of the community.
Who are the main participants?
The Welcoming Communities initiative, led by Immigration New Zealand in collaboration with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities and the Human Rights Commission, aims to create more inclusive and welcoming environments across Aotearoa New Zealand. Involving 34 local councils and 5 local boards, the program focuses on making communities receptive to newcomers, including migrants, former refugees, and international students. The initiative emphasizes the positive impact of welcoming communities on social outcomes and economic growth. It operates through components such as knowledge sharing, the development of the Welcoming Communities Standard, celebrating success, and providing seed funding. The program is part of an international network, with similar initiatives in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States. The involvement of dedicated coordinators from various councils, like Batool Arif, Collette Hall, Jovi Abellanosa, and others, reflects a commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and community connection.
How to join Welcoming Communities?
The Welcoming Communities program in New Zealand, led by Immigration New Zealand, is set to expand nationwide following a successful 2-year pilot. The initiative aims to create inclusive environments for newcomers, including migrants, former refugees, and international students. Open to all councils and communities, participation involves expressing interest by submitting an expression of interest (EOI) form. Councils interested in joining should be clear about the benefits for newcomers and local residents, demonstrate commitment, and outline plans for collaboration with mana whenua. The program emphasizes social, cultural, economic, and civic benefits and offers funding, accreditation, information, networking, and guidance to participating councils. Early, exploratory conversations and inquiries can be directed to Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities team at welcomingcommunities@mbie.govt.nz. The initiative aligns with the goal of fostering inclusive environments that encourage social engagement and connections between newcomers and local residents.
How to get accredited as a Welcoming Community?
Accreditation involves four stages: Committed, Established, Advanced, and Excelling Welcoming Community, each with increasing requirements and benefits. Benefits include showcasing commitment, assessing progress, and participating in an international welcoming network.
The application process, outlined in the Welcoming Communities Applicant Accreditation Manual, includes stage-specific forms, checklists, and planning tools. Site visits are part of Advanced and Excelling accreditation. For inquiries, contact welcomingcommunities@mbie.govt.nz.
