Welcoming Communities

Illustration showing people from various ethnic communities.

In 2023, we joined the Welcoming Communities programme, which helps councils and communities make our places more friendly and inclusive for everyone. It recognises that communities are better off through welcoming newcomers, and highlights the positive social, economic and cultural impacts of a diverse district.

In 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 hapū collective, NZ Police, Multi Ethnic Collective Whangārei and Multicultural Whangārei. 

The signing of this document represented a commitment from our Council, hapū, key multicultural partners, Police and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment to work together to promote healthier, happier and more productive communities by welcoming newcomers into the local community. It marked the completion of Welcoming Communities accreditation Stage 1 – a Committed Welcoming Community.

Whangārei Welcoming Plan

Following the signing of the Statement of Commitment, the next step was to create a Welcoming Plan for Whangārei to focus on inclusion and equitable access for newcomers in the community. 

Adopted in March 2026, the Whangārei Welcoming Plan was created through a range of community engagements and workshops, which captured diverse voices and ideas on what makes a community welcoming.

Whangārei Welcoming Plan(PDF, 3MB)

Taipari Munro from Te Huinga; Deputy Mayor Scott McKenzie; Welcoming Communities Coordinator Devika Shukla; Verena Pschorn from Volunteering Northland; Mayor Ken Couper; Urban Ward Councillor Marie Olsen; Ralph Correa from the Multi Ethnic Collective and Northland Indian Association; and Māori Ward Councillor Deb Harding.

Presenting the new Whangārei Welcoming Plan (pictured from left to right): Kaumātua Taipari Munro from Te Huinga hapū collective; Whangārei Deputy Mayor Scott McKenzie; Whangarei District Council Welcoming Communities Coordinator Devika Shukla; Verena Pschorn from Volunteering Northland; Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper; Whangārei Urban Ward Councillor Marie Olsen; Ralph Correa from the Multi Ethnic Collective and Northland Indian Association; and Whangārei District Māori Ward Councillor Deb Harding.

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

Back to top