Kaipātiki Local Board is one of five Auckland boards to partner with Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities Programme pilot.
Board chair John Gillon says the diverse nature of the Kaipātiki area makes it a natural fit for the programme.
“One of the things that makes Kaipātiki special is the range of different cultures that make up our community, and the board is really excited to be part of a programme that welcomes new residents to our area.”
Welcoming Communities – Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori - is a settlement programme helping local authorities and their communities create welcoming and inclusive environments for newcomers.
Four other Auckland local boards, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Puketāpapa, Albert-Eden, and Whau are also taking part.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is home to one-third of New Zealand's population, with more than 1.7 million people, and has experienced significant growth and increasing diversity over the last decade.
Immigration New Zealand Refugee and Migrant Services general manager Fiona Whiteridge is excited to have local boards included.
“Welcoming Communities brings together councils, mana whenua and communities to make the places we love more welcoming. It’s great to see more and more groups are taking part in a programme that’s an important tool in making communities stronger.
“Tāmaki Makaurau is one of the most diverse cities in the world. It’s fantastic to have the boards as part of something truly special. Welcoming Communities are stronger communities, and that’s a win for all involved.”
INZ will now work with the boards to help them gain formal Welcoming Communities accreditation. For more about the programme go here.
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