AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

3 February 2006

Auckland City supports successful settlement

New settlers to Auckland will receive greater support under a new plan to help them better connect to the city.

Auckland City's Community Development and Equity Committee today approved recommendations to council to accept a new strategy designed to promote successful settlement in Auckland city.

Auckland is the most ethnically diverse of all local authorities with 70 per cent of New Zealand settlers choosing the city as their new home. At the 2001 census, 181 different ethnicities were living in Auckland city.

The City Settlement Strategy outlines the council's framework for a more tailored, coordinated response to the changing needs of new settlers.

The chairperson of the Community Development and Equity Committee, Councillor Cathy Casey, says the strategy is an important step forward.

"The diverse migrant population in Auckland distinguishes us from other cities and makes Auckland a unique and exciting place to live.

"New settlers can offer an extensive range of skills, expertise and cultural benefits to the city. This strategy aims to ease their integration by identifying ways to help them settle into the city, and to feel included and able to actively contribute to their new community."

The strategy will increase the council's communications with culturally diverse communities by improving access to information and services. It will also support initiatives to sustain the cultural identity of new settlers.

Action points from the report include:

- supporting the development of a network of organisations who can assist new settlers to better integrate into the community

- promoting participation in civic affairs

- encouraging involvement in the many multi-cultural events already offered by Auckland City.

Dr Casey says the strategy will form an important part of a nationwide strategy to improve successful settlement to New Zealand.

"The strategy will help new settlers feel welcome and informed about their new home.

"The cultural diversity of this city is an asset that we can celebrate with pride, and we want to make sure we develop strategies that meet the need of today's new settlers and plan for the future."

ENDS

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