Launched in 2012, Welcoming Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate our welcoming values through local events and initiatives that foster mutual understanding, stronger connections, and deeper belonging among all of us - particularly long-time residents and newcomers.
Aotearoa is one of the most diverse countries in the world. There are over 200 different ethnicities and a quarter of all people who call New Zealand home were born overseas. Our diversity is our strength. It's what makes us a vibrant and attractive place to be. Welcoming Week in Aotearoa is a chance to celebrate these qualities and demonstrate two important Māori principles:
1. Whanaungatanga - the importance of relationships, and
2. Manaakitanga - the process of showing respect, generosity, and care for others.
It is the first time that the Timaru District has celebrated Welcoming Week, so let us roll out the welcome mat and celebrate the things that unite us. Because no matter what language you speak, who you worship or where you were born - nau mai rā - glad you're here!
Friday 1st September - Connect and Play Playgroup
44-46 Rothwell St, Tu | 9.30am – 11.30am
For parents and children aged 0-5 years | Sensory play and exploration
Email: Rebekah.connectcc@gmail.com
44-46 Rothwell St, Tu | 9.30am – 11.30am
For parents and children aged 0-5 years | Sensory play and exploration
Email: Rebekah.connectcc@gmail.com
Friday 1st September - Learn to Dance with Step Right Dance NZ
The Scottish Hall, 20 Barnard St, Tu | 6pm
A fun introduction to social dancing, no partner required
Email: Lynda.Berkahn@gmail.com
The Scottish Hall, 20 Barnard St, Tu | 6pm
A fun introduction to social dancing, no partner required
Email: Lynda.Berkahn@gmail.com
Monday 4th September - Opening of Tongan Language Week
Caroline Bay Hall | 9.30am - 12pm
Come and celebrate the opening of Tongan Language Week with the Tongan Society South Canterbury!
The theme for Uike Lea Faka-Tonga 2023 is 'E tu'uloa 'a e Lea faka-Tongá 'o ka lea'aki 'i 'api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-'a-kāingá, which means the Tongan Language will be sustainable if used at home, church and in the wider community.
All are welcome to join the celebrations!
Caroline Bay Hall | 9.30am - 12pm
Come and celebrate the opening of Tongan Language Week with the Tongan Society South Canterbury!
The theme for Uike Lea Faka-Tonga 2023 is 'E tu'uloa 'a e Lea faka-Tongá 'o ka lea'aki 'i 'api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-'a-kāingá, which means the Tongan Language will be sustainable if used at home, church and in the wider community.
All are welcome to join the celebrations!
Monday 4th September - Pop-Up Exhibition at the Museum
South Canterbury Museum | 2pm
Come and learn more about the new Theatre Royal and
Heritage Facility, and contribute to the conversation about opportunities to celebrate our cultural diversity in the new development.
Email to register your interest: museum@timdc.govt.nz
South Canterbury Museum | 2pm
Come and learn more about the new Theatre Royal and
Heritage Facility, and contribute to the conversation about opportunities to celebrate our cultural diversity in the new development.
Email to register your interest: museum@timdc.govt.nz
Tuesday 5th September - Eco Experience
SC Eco Centre, 55c Redruth Street, Tu | 1pm – 3pm
View displays, learn how to recycle, visit the Crows Nest and
the Raptor Experience and take a tour of the transfer station.
Check SC Eco Centre Facebook for more info or email ecocentrefriends@gmail.com
SC Eco Centre, 55c Redruth Street, Tu | 1pm – 3pm
View displays, learn how to recycle, visit the Crows Nest and
the Raptor Experience and take a tour of the transfer station.
Check SC Eco Centre Facebook for more info or email ecocentrefriends@gmail.com
Wednesday 6th September - Multicultural Aoraki Coffee Group
Ashbury Bowling Club, 20 Ranui Ave. Timaru | 10am – 12pm
Come for a fun coffee group to celebrate both Tonga Language Week and Welcoming Week.
Email: maturo@multiculturalaoraki.org.nz
Ashbury Bowling Club, 20 Ranui Ave. Timaru | 10am – 12pm
Come for a fun coffee group to celebrate both Tonga Language Week and Welcoming Week.
Email: maturo@multiculturalaoraki.org.nz
Wednesday 6th September - Refugee Settlement Meeting and Ceremony
Timaru Council Chambers | 1pm – 3pm
Ceremony to celebrate former refugee families 12-month anniversary in Timaru and a meeting to work together as a community to ensure former refugees can thrive in our region.
Email welcomingcommunities@timdc.govt.nz
Timaru Council Chambers | 1pm – 3pm
Ceremony to celebrate former refugee families 12-month anniversary in Timaru and a meeting to work together as a community to ensure former refugees can thrive in our region.
Email welcomingcommunities@timdc.govt.nz
Thursday 7th September - Te Ana Māori Rock Art Tour and Tree Planting Ceremony
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - PLACES LIMITED
Te Ana (Taniwha Gully) | 9.30am - 12.30pm
Visit the Te Ana Māori Art Tour and be part of the special Welcoming Week ‘Putting Down Your Roots in Te Tihi O Maru (Timaru)’ native tree planting. Bring along a plate of food for a shared lunch.
Please email Barbara@teana.co.nz to register your interest and for further details as spaces are limited
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - PLACES LIMITED
Te Ana (Taniwha Gully) | 9.30am - 12.30pm
Visit the Te Ana Māori Art Tour and be part of the special Welcoming Week ‘Putting Down Your Roots in Te Tihi O Maru (Timaru)’ native tree planting. Bring along a plate of food for a shared lunch.
Please email Barbara@teana.co.nz to register your interest and for further details as spaces are limited
Friday 8th September - Millie Rose Friday Special Cupcake
Millie Rose Boutique, 281 Stafford Street, Tu | Open 9am
Buy one of Millie's world-famous in Timaru Friday special cupcakes with a Welcoming Week twist!
Millie Rose Boutique, 281 Stafford Street, Tu | Open 9am
Buy one of Millie's world-famous in Timaru Friday special cupcakes with a Welcoming Week twist!
Friday 8th September - Story Time at the Library
Timaru District Library | 11.30am
A special co-hosted Arabic and English story-time with our Syrian community.
Enjoy some Syrian cookies and Dubka dancing
Email: tracey.miron@pssc.co.nz
Timaru District Library | 11.30am
A special co-hosted Arabic and English story-time with our Syrian community.
Enjoy some Syrian cookies and Dubka dancing
Email: tracey.miron@pssc.co.nz
Friday 8th September - Aoraki Pasifika Community Potluck Dinner
Timaru South School Hall | 6pm
Come along and bring your family’s special recipe, favourite dish or a dish
representing your country.
Celebrating Tonga Language Week and Welcoming Week
Email: sange@multiculturalaoraki.org.nz
Timaru South School Hall | 6pm
Come along and bring your family’s special recipe, favourite dish or a dish
representing your country.
Celebrating Tonga Language Week and Welcoming Week
Email: sange@multiculturalaoraki.org.nz
Sunday 10th September - SC Mountainbike Club Tour
Main carpark at the Scenic Reserve (by the lake) |10am
Bring your BMX or mountain bike, children and all skills-levels welcome!
Email: scmtbclub@gmail.com
Main carpark at the Scenic Reserve (by the lake) |10am
Bring your BMX or mountain bike, children and all skills-levels welcome!
Email: scmtbclub@gmail.com
5th, 6th and 7th September - Parkside Playcentre Messy Play Fun
35 Harper Street | 9.30am – 12pm
Parents and children aged 0-6 years
Foam, bubbles, edible mud, slime and gloop!
Email parkside@playcentre.org.nz or 0276888246
35 Harper Street | 9.30am – 12pm
Parents and children aged 0-6 years
Foam, bubbles, edible mud, slime and gloop!
Email parkside@playcentre.org.nz or 0276888246
Every day - Immigrant Journey Exhibition
Timaru District Library:
Monday - Friday - 9am - 6pm
Saturday - 10am - 1pm
Sunday - 1pm - 4pm
Timaru District Library:
Monday - Friday - 9am - 6pm
Saturday - 10am - 1pm
Sunday - 1pm - 4pm
Welcoming Week Colouring In Competition
Competition to be judged by Mayor Nigel Bowen and Community Development Manager Claire Barlow.
The winners of each age category will be notified directly.
Children of Timaru District Council employees are unable to enter.
Entries close on 22nd September 2023.
Competition to be judged by Mayor Nigel Bowen and Community Development Manager Claire Barlow.
The winners of each age category will be notified directly.
Children of Timaru District Council employees are unable to enter.
Entries close on 22nd September 2023.
Last updated: 30 Aug 2023