CAB runs Treaty of Waitangi seminar for new Whangarei migrants

New migrants to Whangarei can learn more about the Treaty of Waitangi, above, at a seminar next month.

New migrants to Whangarei can attend a seminar to give them insight into the Treaty of Waitangi.

The Whangarei Citizens Advice Bureau's Treaty of Waitangi presentation, part of its Migrants Connect seminars, has always attracted a large turnout.

The CAB offers four seminars a year to New Zealand's newest citizens. Most presentations attracted an average of 30 people, but the Treaty of Waitangi seminar had always been popular, this year's presenter and Whangarei CAB co-ordinator, Moea Armstrong, said.

Migrants attending the seminar about the country's founding document will learn about the Treaty and the Declaration of Independence and their impact now.

"We also owe new migrants an explanation of our history. While they already understand their own country's experience of colonisation, our history is unique," Ms Armstrong said.

Whangarei CAB has been offering the seminars and special information services to immigrants for four years. It is one of 30 out of 90 nationwide that are partnered with Immigration NZ and offer the service.

Previous seminars have focused on New Zealand's education and health systems, consumer rights, and employment rights. Translators have been used in previous seminars to accommodate for non-English speaking immigrants.

This year, the CAB is considering using a new document, Treaty Times 30, that will translate the Treaty into 30 languages.

• The seminar will be held in the Bounty Room at Forum North on Friday, February 2, 9.30am-2.30pm. Contact the CAB on 438 8046 or email whangarei@cab.org.nz. Although intended for migrants, all are welcome.