Welcoming Communities

Illustration showing people from various ethnic communities.

Welcoming Communities is a programme that helps councils and communities make our places more friendly and inclusive for everyone. 

The programme recognises that communities are better off through welcoming newcomers, and highlights the positive social, economic and cultural impacts of a diverse district.

We joined the Welcoming Communities programme in 2023 and on 17 May 2024 we became a Committed Welcoming Community, the first of four levels of accreditation.  

We co-signed the Welcoming Communities Statement of Commitment with our partners from Te Huinga hapu collective, NZ Police, Multi Ethnic Collective Whangārei, and Multicultural Whangārei.

Five people standing behind a table holding the Welcoming Communities Statement of Commitment.

Pictured from left to right: Sergeant Stainton, NZ Police; Sandra Hawkins, Chairperson Te Huinga; Sandeep Diwan, Vice Chairperson Multicultural Whangārei; Chief Executive Simon Weston and Mayor Vince Cocurullo, Whangarei District Council; Ralph Correa, President Multi Ethnic Collective.

The signing of this document represents a commitment from our Council, hapū, our key multicultural partners, Police and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment in working together to promote healthier, happier and more productive communities by welcoming newcomers into the local community.

This marks the completion of Welcoming Communities accreditation Stage 1 – a Committed Welcoming Community.

The Welcoming Communities accreditation model

There are four stages of accreditation, each with increasing levels of requirement and benefits:

  • Stage 1 – a Committed Welcoming Community
  • Stage 2 – an Established Welcoming Community
  • Stage 3 – an Advanced Welcoming Community
  • Stage 4 – an Excelling Welcoming Community.

At stage 1, a council must commit to participating in the Welcoming Communities programme and complete an application.

For stages 2 to 4, a council, working with its community, completes an application and a self-assessment workbook. The Welcoming Communities External Accreditation Assessment Panel prepares a detailed report on each application.

Site visits are arranged for Advanced (stage 3) and Excelling (stage 4) accreditation.

About the programme

The Welcoming Communities Programme is a three-year opportunity funded by MBIE – Immigration New Zealand, in partnership with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities and the Human Rights Commission.

The initiative brings together local government councils and communities to make the places we love more welcoming for everyone.

It recognises that when newcomers experience a positive welcoming by existing communities, we improve the settlement and integration process for them and in return are actively building and strengthening a cohesive and culturally connected district.

The Welcoming Communities Programme acknowledges the important role of tangata whenua as respected leaders and key collaborators in the development and delivery of the programme.

There are many positive social, economic, environmental and cultural benefits of diversity.

Welcoming Communities 2024 Stocktake Report

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Welcoming Communities survey. With your input, we were able to create this Welcoming Communities Stocktake Report.

The Welcoming Communities Stocktake Report looks at the initiatives, activities, events, policies and services around welcoming newcomers to Whangārei.

A total of 285 responses were received from individuals, groups, businesses, and non-government organisations within our District. Your information has given us insights and ideas about how newcomers to our community can be better supported.

Here are some interesting points from the Stocktake Report: 

  • Most newcomers in Whangārei are New Zealanders who have relocated from other parts of the country, followed by skilled migrant workers and international students.
  • 89 per cent of those who completed the survey believe that Whangārei’s public spaces and facilities are welcoming and reflect the diversity of the community.
  • The Whangārei District Library is seen as the most welcoming of all public spaces in terms of cultural appropriateness, inclusion and accessibility.
  • The most common reason for moving to Whangārei was lifestyle, followed by family connections, work and business opportunities, and affordability.
  • When asked to choose things enjoyed most about Whangārei, the top answer was our beautiful environment, followed by our outdoor activities.  

Read the full report:

Welcoming Communities Stocktake Report July 2024(PDF, 1003KB)

Related Information

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