The Gore District Council’s Welcoming Communities team relaunched its Welcome Packs late last month.
Businesses and education providers who are Welcome Pack distribution partners and act as a point of contact for newcomers to the Gore District received the new packs at a function in the Council chambers.
The Council is one of 34 local authorities supporting the Welcoming Communities programme. It is one of only eight councils to receive Stage 2 achievement from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Community development coordinator Guillaume Willemse, who oversees the Welcoming Communities initiative, said the Council had been welcoming newcomers into the community for several years.
“It is important we make our newcomers feel welcome and valued. This is why we offer settling-in advice and assistance and ensure they have a point of contact to help them through the journey.”
Newcomers were not only those who immigrated to this country but also New Zealanders who relocated to the Gore District to enjoy the wonderful lifestyle opportunities on offer here, he said.
Over the years, the Gore District has become a rich, diverse community. Today, there are 45 ethnicities living here, Mr Willemse said.
The Welcome Packs contain a welcome letter from Gore District Mayor Ben Bell, flyers about activities available in the District, and information on how to get connected in the community.
Welcoming Communities is a programme led by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in partnership with the Ministry of Ethnic Communities and the Human Rights Commission.
Anyone wanting to know more about Welcoming Communities can contact Mr Willemse. Welcome Packs are available at the Gore Visitors Centre.
