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We are excited to celebrate the growth of the Welcoming Communities programme, with 3 councils across the country now officially recognised as Committed Welcoming Communities with a Stage 1 accreditation.
Welcoming Communities is a partnership between local councils and communities to help newcomers feel included, supported, and able to participate fully in community life. Stage 1 accreditation recognises councils that have made a formal commitment to these values and are actively putting welcoming practices in place.
This milestone reflects the councils’ dedication to manaakitanga (hospitality), inclusion, and community-led change. To achieve accreditation, councils undergo a detailed assessment of how they welcome and involve newcomers.
Auckland Council – 5 local boards
5 local boards—Albert-Eden, Kaipātiki, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Puketāpapa, and Whau—have each earned their own accreditation. Over the past 6 months, the local boards have worked closely with their communities to develop tailored Welcoming Plans that support newcomers through engagement with local stakeholders. This work was led by the Welcoming Communities coordinators across the 5 local boards, with support from our Welcoming Communities team.
They have also supported initiatives across all 5 boards, including:
- An orientation programme for newcomers
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi education
- Improved engagement with resettled communities and support for community-led activities
These efforts show a shared commitment to inclusive leadership, fair access to services and opportunities, and building strong, connected communities. They help ensure all newcomers can take part in community life and access the support they need.
Hutt City Council
Hutt City has achieved Stage 1 accreditation, demonstrating its strong commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. The council has built deep relationships with diverse ethnic communities and mana whenua, Te Āti Awa. This partnership approach has led to a range of new events in Lower Hutt, including the Islamic Women’s Council NZ Conference, Chinese New Year celebrations, Afrika Bazaar, World Refugee Day events, and pōwhiri and wānanga at Waiwhetū Marae.
Through collaboration with community groups, organisations, mana whenua, and council teams, the council has helped deliver meaningful outcomes. These include:
- Supporting ethnic communities to engage in civic life, with many participating for the first time.
- Celebrating the city’s cultural richness through inclusive events that foster pride and mutual understanding.
- Strengthening relationships between ethnic communities and mana whenua, promoting deeper connections and shared respect.
These initiatives have contributed to a more inclusive, equitable, and connected community where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging is nurtured. Many community members have shared that it was the first time they felt truly engaged with or supported by the council. Reflecting this growing connection, groups such as the Hutt Multicultural Council and the Multicultural Playgroup have recently invited council staff to community gatherings.
Welcoming Communities Coordinator Batool Arif says that working collaboratively with key partners was essential to achieving these positive outcomes.
Waitaki District Council
Waitaki District Council has also achieved Stage 1 accreditation, marking a significant step in its journey to becoming a more inclusive district. This recognition highlights the council’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for newcomers, including recent migrants, international students, and people relocating from other parts of New Zealand.
Mayor Gary Kircher shared: “With so many people coming to Waitaki to make it their home, I’m proud that our community is being officially recognised as a welcoming one—both in title and in practice. This acknowledgment wouldn’t have happened without many of the people involved, and I thank each and every one of them. And thank you to every Waitakian who takes the time to make a newcomer feel like they belong here!”
Looking ahead
We look forward to supporting councils as they continue to grow their welcoming practices and build stronger, more connected communities across Aotearoa.
Learn more about the Welcoming Communities programme:
