Recognition for helping Tauranga immigrants

Western Bay Council's Community Committee chairman Mike Williams presented the award to Ewa Fenn. Photo/Andrew Warner

Tauranga's Ewa Fenn has today been recognised for her relentless work in helping new migrants to the Bay.

Mrs Fenn became the second recipient of the annual Award for Recognition of Services to Migrants in our Community.

Mrs Fenn's relentless community focus, optimism to strive for the best, and courage to help others with the difficulties of moving to a new country have seen the former president of the Tauranga Regional Multicultural Council receive the award at a special ceremony at Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Community Committee meeting.

Run by Tauranga City and Western Bay councils, in association with the Migrant Support Network, the award highlights volunteers who help migrants settle in their chosen new home.

Western Bay Council's Community Committee chairman Mike Williams said Mrs Fenn was a deserving recipient of the 2015 award.

"It's recognition of Ewa's tireless work as a champion for new residents of the Western Bay of Plenty, particularly though the Tauranga Regional Ethnic Council.

"Ewa is a great example of the value that people from diverse ethnic backgrounds bring to our communities and how we should embrace them and provide every assistance to make their transition as smooth as possible."

Tauranga City Council's Community Development Committee chairman Steve Morris said the award recognised the great work of individuals who assist new migrants and refugees to settle, to feel included and to participate.

"I warmly congratulate Ewa for her commitment to helping new arrivals become part of our community, by welcoming them unreservedly and supporting them to navigate new systems and processes."

Mrs Fenn migrated to New Zealand in 1982. She became a member of the Tauranga Regional Ethnic Council in 2004 and was made president in 2007.

Her work with the organisation transformed it into a local one-stop shop for migrants, providing a social hub for migrants to meet, learn and enjoy mixing with a diverse range of new people.

The inaugural award was given to Tauranga's Phillipa Cairns in 2014 for her 20 years of work teaching migrants the English language.