Western Bay and Tauranga City councils given tick of approval

Arya Nair, 9, performing the Shiva dance at the Tauranga Diwali Festival. Photo / Andrew Warner

Western Bay and Tauranga City councils have gained recognition for the Welcoming Communities programme that has been successfully piloted in the region for the past two years.

The two councils are among 10 in New Zealand that have gained accreditation from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for their success in implementing the programme.

Western Bay Council Mayor, Garry Webber, said Welcoming Communities has been a catalyst for raising awareness of the ethnic diversity of the region.

"The programme has helped enhance the community spirit and aroha that makes the Western Bay such a welcoming place. We look forward to continuing to embrace the District's cultural diversity and to build and strengthen cohesive and culturally connected communities".

Tauranga City Council Mayor, Tenby Powell, said newcomers play a vital role in the region's economic success and help make the city a more vibrant and culturally diverse place to live.

"It's been great to see residents and local organisations get behind Welcoming Communities programme, creating more opportunities for people to collaborate and connect with each other".

Immigration New Zealand's general manager of refugee and migrant services, Fiona Whiteridge, commended the communities for their efforts and the crucial role they've played in the programme's design.

"They have shown a commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all residents can thrive and belong. We're delighted to accredit them as Committed Welcoming Communities, we look forward to further supporting their work."

Accreditation formally recognises that the councils and their communities value newcomers and are committed to building inclusive communities.

It also gives them access to further funding, support and advice to continue the Welcoming Communities work.

The Welcoming Communities programme will be extended to other councils and communities around the country over the next four years.

The councils and communities, listed below, are the first in New Zealand to be accredited as Committed Welcoming Communities:

Tauranga City Council
Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Whanganui District Council
Palmerston North City Council
Ashburton District Council
Selwyn District Council
Gore District Council
Invercargill City Council
Southland District Council
Environment Southland