Marlborough’s new Welcoming Plan is a practical roadmap to help the region become more inclusive, resilient and connected.

Developed through broad community consultation and guided by the national Welcoming Communities Standard, the plan outlines actions to enhance social cohesion, support economic development and celebrate cultural diversity across the region.

A newcomer is defined as anyone recently arrived in Marlborough. The Welcoming Plan provides a framework for local government, iwi, community organisations, businesses and residents to work together to create a welcoming environment.

Welcoming Communities Coordinator Heather Barnes said the Welcoming Communities Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori programme rolled out the welcome mat for all newcomers to Marlborough regardless of where they came from or their ethnicity.

“It provides a framework for communities to become even more welcoming and attractive to newcomers – a place people want to make their home,” she said. “It is a community-driven initiative that reflects the collective efforts of local people and organisations dedicated to supporting newcomers.”

Welcoming Communities is coordinated by Immigration New Zealand and aims to encourage and support councils and their communities to take a greater leadership role in welcoming newcomers.

Marlborough is one of 40 councils in New Zealand participating in the programme which began here in October 2022. Marlborough was accredited as a Committed Welcoming Community in January 2024.

“Welcoming Communities recognises that a strong, vibrant community enables all its members to participate in its economic, civic and social life,” Heather said. “It is a community where everyone feels included and has a sense of belonging.”

For more information go to : https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/our-community/welcoming-communities-te-waharoa-ki-nga-hapori

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