Welcoming Communities
Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori Rangitīkei
At Rangitīkei District Council we are passionate about making this place home. We work with our communities, iwi and stakeholders to create a welcoming and inclusive district for all.
In July 2021 we successfully applied to join Welcoming Communities, an Immigration New Zealand initiative that supports local councils and their communities to put out the welcome mat for newcomers.
Whether you’re moving from the deep south, the far north, or joining us from abroad – immigrants, former refugees, or international students – Rangitīkei is an inclusive and welcoming place to call home.
Have you moved to Rangitīkei from somewhere else?
The Welcoming Communities team would like to hear about your experiences as a newcomer in our district. Send us an email about your experience moving to the Rangitīkei so we can make our community more welcoming to newcomers in the future.
Why did Rangitīkei District Council join this programme?
Our District is experiencing unprecedented growth both economically and in population. With a number of new developments, economic ventures and business expansions we're expecting newcomers from other parts of New Zealand and beyond, and we’re taking active steps to make our District even more welcoming to them.
What makes a community welcoming?
Communities that make newcomers feel welcome are likely to enjoy better social outcomes, and stronger economic growth. In this environment, everyone is able to participate in the economic, civic, cultural and social life of the community.
The Welcoming Communities Standard guides local Councils by identifying eight outcome areas that are important to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment:
- Inclusive Leadership
- Welcoming Communications
- Equitable Access
- Connected and Inclusive Communities
- Economic Development, Business and Employment
- Civic Engagement and Participation
- Welcoming Public Spaces
- Culture and Identity
All participating Councils work with their communities to develop a Welcoming Plan which sets out a range of actions over a set period, and identifies who will lead them, to deliver on these outcome areas.
What’s happening in Rangitīkei?
Our Welcoming Communities Officer, Rhianna Flaherty, is finalising a Rangitīkei Welcome Plan for 2023. Welcoming Communities Rangitīkei has already set up an Advisory Group, completed a “stocktake” of existing community and Council activities, and consulted with partners and stakeholders to develop this Welcome Plan. If your organisation would like to contribute to the Welcome Plan, please contact Rhianna at welcomingcommunities@rangitikei.govt.nz
Want to get involved?
The whole community is invited to be a part of the Welcoming Communities Rangitīkei programme with us - and that means YOU! Keep an eye on our Facebook page see what’s happening and where you might like to participate.
Contact
If you have ideas, feedback, or questions, I'd love to hear from you!
Please get in touch with us any time
Rhianna Flaherty, Welcoming Communities Officer
Rhianna.Flaherty@rangitikei.govt.nz