Expanding Welcoming Communities

Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway has confirmed the Welcoming Communities programme is to be extended. Led by Immigration New Zealand in a joint approach with councils, local communities and the Office of Ethnic Communities, the programme has operated as a pilot scheme over the last 2 years. 10 councils across 5 regions have worked with their communities helping newcomers feel welcome and included in the places they have chosen to live. An evaluation of the pilot scheme found the initiative is delivering economic, social and cultural benefits. These findings are amongst the reasons why the Government wants to see Welcoming Communities more widely available. The aim is now to see it made accessible to all Councils and communities around the country. $6.6 million has been allocated over the next 4 years to support this work. Additional councils will be invited to submit expressions of interest to join the expanded programme later this year. Welcoming Communities