Welcoming Communities

Welcoming Communities a national settlement programme led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in partnership with the Ministry of Ethnic Communities and the Human Rights Commission. It helps cities create welcoming and inclusive environments for newcomers, such as recent migrants, former refugees, international students and anyone new to a community.

The aim is to make everyone feel like they can belong, participate, contribute and thrive in their communities. The programme involves everyone, including local residents, in developing, delivering and participating in welcoming activities.

In Auckland, Welcoming Communities means creating an inclusive and friendly city where everyone feels at home. It’s about connecting with locals, embracing diversity, and supporting newcomers to settle in. Whether you go along to events, join community groups, or simply get given a warm hello, we want everyone to feel inspired to share their culture and help build strong, welcoming neighbourhoods. It’s all about belonging and making new friends.

The Māori values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga and kotahitanga underpin the programme.

Five local boards of the Auckland Council joined the Welcoming Communities programme in 2023 and are accredited as Committed Welcoming Communities. You can read their Welcoming Plans:

This website is part of a suite of initiatives created by the programme to benefit all Aucklanders. It was created with guidance from seven local iwi, including (in alphabetical order):

Mana Whenua entities:

Ngāti Manuhiri
Ngāti Maru
Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua
Ngāti Tamatera
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
Te Ākitai Waiohua
Te Patukirikiri

It was developed in collaboration with settlement support organisations, including:

Migrant Settlement support services:

If you have suggestions on how we can improve the Welcome to Auckland pages, please get in touch at WelcometoAuckland@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz