English Language Partners: Building belonging through language
Published on 04 September 2026
Centre Manager Clinton Ashill shares English Language Partners Northland's story with us as part of a series celebrating the contributions of newcomers and welcoming organisations in our community for Welcoming Week 2026.
“For many newcomers, learning English is an important part of settling into life in Aotearoa New Zealand. For us at English Language Partners Northland in Whangārei, it is also about friendship, confidence, employment and community connection.
“We go beyond just teaching English language,” says Centre Manager Clinton Ashill. “We are a social space and a key navigator into community and life here in Whangārei and New Zealand.
“We are a not-for-profit organisation supporting migrants and refugees to settle well and achieve their goals. In Northland, our Whangārei centre offers classes, online learning, English for employees, and volunteer-led-home tutoring.
“Our team supports learners across a wide area, from Kaitaia to Dargaville and Wellsford, with teachers based in Whangārei and Kerikeri, and volunteers throughout the region.
“Our learners range in age from 16 to 88. Many bring strong education backgrounds, skills, and experience from their countries of origin. Improving their English skills helps migrants to contribute to and become part of our local community.
“One older learner once asked me if she was too old to join classes. I told her, ‘No, of course not.’ Her reply stayed with me: ‘Thank you, you are my social life and a lifeline.’ She had come to New Zealand to help care for her grandchildren while her daughter worked. As the children grew older, she wanted to connect with people and build a life of her own here.
“That story shows why language learning cannot be separated from belonging. Technology can help people translate words and complete everyday transactions, but it cannot replace the human connection that comes from conversation, shared learning, and being seen and heard.
“I enjoy meeting people from all around the world,” Clinton says. “Whoever comes through the door, we try to help them. With around 150 learners across 300 course enrolments, we are lucky to be considered a smaller centre compared with bigger cities such as Auckland, where there are thousands of learners. That means we value friendships and respond to individual needs, such as job applications, advice and support on other personal matters.
"We have what I would describe as a whānau and a safe space. Being a migrant myself, I have called Whangārei home for many years, and it is rewarding to see others call Whangārei home too.
“Our learners describe English Language Partners as both practical support and a place of connection. For example, one learner said, ‘ELPNZ helped me navigate life in Whangārei and find my roots here. People are cooperative and kind. This place has given a newcomer like me the convenience of sharing with others.’
"Another learner said, ‘It is really nice to meet other people.’
"A third learner reflected, ‘ELPNZ already knows what a newcomer needs. This is not just related to our language needs. The teachers are extraordinary. They introduce us to various learning opportunities outside ELPNZ. That is very rare.’
“This Welcoming Week, the theme ‘Together we belong’ reminds us that belonging is something communities build together. For us, welcome is more than a first greeting. It is the ongoing work of helping people learn, participate, contribute their strengths, and feel at home.”
Nau mai, haere mai – welcome to Whangārei. Together, we belong.
English Language Partners Northland
Welcoming Week is an annual event that brings people together to honour the cultures, stories and contributions of newcomers in our communities, including migrants, former refugees, international students and anyone who has recently made this place home.
Find out more about Welcoming Week, including events and stories to help mark the occasion and roll out the welcome mat:
Welcoming Week | Te Wiki o Manaaki