Stimulus/Rationale: Auckland Council, ATEED (now Tātaki Auckland Unlimited) and Immigration New Zealand (a central government agency responsible for bringing people to New Zealand to enhance New Zealand’s social and economic outcomes) have signed a partnership agreement to leverage collective skills and resources in order to maximise the contribution that migrant skills and investment make to Auckland. This agreement works across the broad spectrum of attracting and retaining migrant skills and talent in the Auckland region. It focuses on supporting industry, migrants and their families as well as addressing gaps and starting to roll out the joint central and local government Welcoming Communities Programme also in Auckland.
Process:
The Welcoming Communities Programme welcomes newcomers, recent migrants, former refugees and international students. It emphasises the importance of participation and connecting newcomers with locals. Aligning perfectly with the Intercultural Cities three main concepts of diversity, equality and interaction, the programme is based on a standard with eight outcomes:
1. Inclusive leadership
2. Welcoming communications
3. Equitable access
4. Connected and inclusive communities
5. Economic development, business and employment
6. Civic engagement and participation
7. Welcoming public spaces
8. Culture and identity.
Welcoming Communities accreditation assesses a council and community’s efforts to include and welcome newcomers — recent migrants, former refugees and international students. Councils who have signed up to the Welcoming Communities programme can apply for accreditation and work to meet the Welcoming Communities Standard.
Impact:
Originally a pilot, there are five local boards from Auckland and 34 local councils now working with their communities to implement Welcoming Communities. Immigration New Zealand recently started working with the five boards from Auckland to help them gain accreditation.
