Website of the YearWhanganui is one of nine districts taking part in a pilot programme aimed at better welcoming migrants, former refugees, international students and New Zealanders to the region.
The Welcoming Communities programme has been developed in conjunction with Immigration New Zealand, and Whanganui District Council has recently hired Katy Newton as a co-ordinator.
Welcoming Communities will aim to build links between communities and its newcomers and provided a standard to benchmark equitable access, inclusive leadership, civic engagement and participation and welcoming public spaces.
"Communities that proactively foster an environment where newcomers feel welcomed are more likely to enjoy better social connections and engagement," Immigration New Zealand's national settlement manager Judi Altinkaya said.
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Advertise with NZME.Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall said the district was attracting increasing numbers of new residents from all over the world.
"I appreciate this wonderful diversity every time we gather for one of our regular citizenship ceremonies," Mr McDouall said.
"Our new arrivals from overseas enrich our community with new perspectives and culture.
"Whanganui is a welcoming place and we're pleased to be a participating council in the pilot programme for the new Welcoming Communities programme."
Meanwhile, 34 new citizens recently been officially welcomed to Whanganui with mayor Mr McDouall hosting a ceremony at the War Memorial Centre on December 7.
