Fostering a welcoming community

Moving to rural New Zealand can be a big, and sometimes daunting step, but thanks to an initiative that enables community groups to work closely with its newcomers, spots like the Hurunui District will feel like home very quickly.

Hurunui District Council has joined 26 other Councils in a New Zealand-wide settlement programme promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Welcoming Communities Programme -Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori, is designed to support local councils in welcoming recent migrants, former refugees and international students.

Hurunui District’s Mayor Marie Black values the vibrance a diverse community brings and is thrilled to be a part of the Welcoming Communities family.

“It is important to us that our community is supportive, welcoming, and feels like home to all newcomers who choose to stay,” said Mayor Black.

Funded by INZ, the Programme involves communities developing a welcoming plan, with a council-employed Welcoming Communities Facilitator to outline the steps the community will take to foster a welcoming environment.

These steps will include how best to support newcomers and encourage participation in community led initiatives.

Council’s part time Together Hurunui Facilitator Natalie Paterson has recently been employed to fill the Welcoming Facilitator role.

“The role compliments my Together Hurunui work, identifying needs within the community. I’m looking forward to working with our people to ensure all newcomers feel welcome.”

Former Secretary of the Hurunui Filipino Community Group Sandy Velmonte believes the Programme will make a huge difference to the Filipino community.

“I vividly remember when I first moved to New Zealand thirteen years ago…It’s a huge step for us moving to another country, and to a small town. We have so much to contribute to the Hurunui community and I am excited at the prospects of the Programme,” said Sandy.

Sandy touched on the success of the Hurunui Fiesta held earlier this year, as an example of what she hopes the plan will include.

The Hurunui Fiesta involved a basketball tournament that ran over three nights. The final game was followed by a fiesta festival celebrating Filipino culture and food.

“It was quite successful, and we had a great turnout. Filipinos are very sociable, and it was a good opportunity to bring us all together.”

Mayor Black is looking forward to seeing communities within the District embracing this Programme.

“It’s up to all of us to create a community that is inclusive and welcoming, and to ensure that we all contribute to a place of belonging.” said Mayor Black.