Plan adopted for a more welcoming future

Published on 13 May 2026

Community input has been key to developing our new Welcoming Plan, which was recently adopted by Council. 

Whangārei Welcoming Plan

The plan provides a clear roadmap for Whangārei within the national Welcoming Communities programme, helping councils and communities to welcome, support and include newcomers. 

Welcoming Communities

Council Welcoming Communities Coordinator Devika Shukla says Whangārei is increasingly becoming a place where migrants and newcomers thrive. In 2024, over 1,500 long-term migrants arrived, many under the age of 44.

“These newcomers bring vibrancy and skills, contributing to vital industries like dairy farming, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, tourism and retail.” 

She says many voices helped guide the Welcoming Plan's development, with the Multi Ethnic Collective and Te Huinga hapū playing central roles. 

“We also carried out extensive engagement, including an online survey and a series of four hui, which gathered feedback from newcomers, ethnic communities, organisations and the wider Whangārei community.” 

Ms Shukla says the Welcoming Plan sets out a number of strategic actions for Council, community and organisations, with success measures to be reviewed yearly. 

“This is an active plan and its strength lies in the partnerships, trust and shared mahi that will continue to carry it forward. It supports inclusive decision-making and services that respond to newcomers’ needs.”