Making migrants feel completely at home

Nelson and Tasman have joined in the effort to create welcoming communities for migrants, former refugees and international students.

The Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council, along with Hastings District Council, have joined the Immigration New Zealand Welcoming Communities programme, bringing the number of participating councils to 18.

Immigration NZ general manager of refugee and migrant services Fiona Whiteridge said it was happy to see continuing enthusiasm from councils for the programme, which began with a 10-council pilot programme from 2017 to 2019.

She said the programme was an important tool to build integrated communities in which newcomers felt included, no matter what their background.

It involves an accreditation and a standard ‘‘eight pillars’’ meant to help make newcomers like immigrants, refugees and international students comfortable and well-connected to their new communities.

Tasman mayor Tim King said the district benefited from having people of many nationalities living there, and getting involved in the Welcoming Communities programme would help Tasman support new arrivals.

‘‘A diverse range of nationalities call our region home, and we benefit in so many ways from the contribution these new Kiwis bring to the community – in a practical sense through the skills they bring to the workforce, or by adding their unique cultural perspectives to the New Zealand way of life,’’ he said.

Nelson mayor Rachel Reese said the programme would help Nelson offer a ‘‘positive and rewarding experience’’ for newcomers.

‘‘The development of immigration into the Nelson and Tasman region from the 1800s until today has been a story of not only increasing numbers but of ever-increasing diversity. This rich diversity is part of what makes Nelson Whakatū a wonderful place to live.’’

The three new councils will now work with Immigration NZ to meet the Welcoming Communities standards and get accreditation.