Timaru District comes together to celebrate Welcoming Week

This September the welcome mat will be rolled out across Timaru District for newcomers and locals to celebrate the district.

The Timaru District Council recently joined the Welcoming Communities – Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori programme which includes 30 other Councils. The programme is led by Immigration New Zealand in partnership with the Ministry of Ethnic Communities and the Human Rights Commission and provides a framework for Councils to support newcomers into the community.

Part of the programme is Welcoming Week, which between 1 and 10 September will celebrate newcomers to the district through a variety of local events.

Claire Barlow, Community Development Manager for Timaru District Council said the event is an opportunity for communities throughout New Zealand to celebrate Whanaungatanga - the importance of relationships, and Manaakitanga - the process of showing respect, generosity, and care for others.

“This year’s theme for Welcoming Week is ‘Nau mai rā – Glad you’re here’ aimed at welcoming migrants, former refugees, international students, and those who have moved here from other parts of New Zealand,” she said.

“There will be a variety of events hosted at Council facilities including the South Canterbury Museum, and Timaru Library, and the Council Chambers.

“On Wednesday 6 September, the Refugee Settlement Meeting and Ceremony will be on in the Council Chambers.

“The ceremony will celebrate former refugee families’ 12-month anniversary in Timaru, followed by a steering group meeting to work together as a community to ensure former refugees continue to thrive in the district.”

Part of the ceremony group will also join Story time at the Timaru Library on Friday 8 September to read children's books in Arabic which will be followed by Syrian cookies and Dubka dancing.

There will also be other events outside of Council facilities including a mountain bike tour, a community potluck dinner, a Māori rock art tour and a special tree planting ceremony and much more.

Tracey Miron, Presbyterian Support South Canterbury Refugee Settlement Manager, said she was pleased to see the community coming together to help celebrate Welcoming Week.

“It’s been great to be a part of a group of likeminded people and organisations coming together to make this celebration happen.”

On Friday 8 September, the Welcoming Week will end with a sweet treat. Millie Rose, owner of Millie Rose Boutique will be selling her world-famous cupcakes.

Millie who moved to the Timaru District with her family at age three from Scotland, said she is honoured to be making cupcakes as a part of the celebration.

“It has been great to see the community’s passion to help celebrate newcomers and come together to celebrate our district and all its people.”

For more information, head to https://www.timaru.govt.nz/community/welcoming-communities/welcoming-week-2023.